My research is comprised of two main areas of interest. The first seeks to develop and apply novel statistical tools for examining widespread genetic overlap across psychiatric disorders and clinically relevant correlates (e.g., treatment response). To this end, I developed the Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (Genomic SEM) framework, that can be applied to examine the multivariate system of relationships across genetically correlated traits. I have extended this method to include both Stratified Genomic SEM and Transcriptome-wide SEM (T-SEM), that can be used to examine classes of genes and patterns of gene expression, respectively, that are associated with genetic overlap across traits of interest. My second line of research also includes methods development, but in this case the methods are designed to examine the genetic underpinnings associated with cognitive change and the unfolding of dementia risk across the lifespan. This second area of research has critical implications for understanding the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD).
keywords
Methods development, Genome-wide association studies, Psychiatric genetics
PSYC 3102 - Behavioral Genetics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces the basic principles of genetics, covers how these principles can be used in the study of behavior, and evaluates the evidence for genetic influences on behavioral characteristics.
PSYC 4011 - Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Critically reviews some aspect of psychological literature, scholarly analysis of a major psychological issue, and/or empirical research project. See the psychology honors director for further information.
PSYC 5541 - Special Topics in Psychology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Studies and analyzes special interest topics from the broad and diversified field of psychology. Particular section content is determined by instructor. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.
PSYC 7693 - Personality Measurement
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Covers theory and basic applications of psychological assessment, with an emphasis on measurement theory and the assessment of psychopathology and personality. Instructor consent required.
