Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Integrated Center for Genes, Environment,
Biography
I have a broad background in genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics. As a postdoctoral fellow with John Quackenbush, I identified gene expression fingerprints for molecular classification of tumors and outcome prediction in colon cancer. As an Assistant Research Professor at Duke University and then a Staff Scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I worked with David Schwartz to identify novel innate immune genes in mice by using genetic and genomic approaches. As the Deputy Director for the Center for Genes, Environment and Health, I provided oversight of next-generation sequencing, expression profiling, genotyping, and epigenomic technologies at National Jewish Health.
My current research broadly centers on the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in complex diseases. The overarching goals of my research are to use genetics and genomics to enhance early detection, predict outcome, develop biomarkers, and design personalized therapeutic strategies in non-malignant diseases. Specific current disease areas of interest include asthma and allergy, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic beryllium disease, diabetes and obesity. Human cohorts as well as animal and cell models are used to pursue these studies.