My research interests are focused on developing and applying statistical methods to search for genes causing common human diseases. Recent work has been in the development of statistical methods for genetic studies and in identifying optimal study designs for genetic studies of complex traits. As application of these methods to specific diseases has progressed it has become apparent that etiologic and genetic heterogeneity is a major stumbling block in the research for genes for common diseases. I am interested in developing methods to detect and account for genetic heterogeneity as one type of complex genetic model. I am also interested in the extent to which environmental exposures interact with genetic variants to modify risks of complex diseases. Both genetic heterogeneity and gene-environment interactions must be taken into account to achieve the goals of personalized medicine.
