Alanna Morrison
Professor & Chair
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
School of Public Health at Houston
Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences
My research program focuses on elucidating the genetic basis of complex disease. The primary area of investigation is the genetic etiology of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States and represents a significant public health concern.
The field of genomics is moving forward at lightning speed. Where we once genotyped a single variant in a single gene, my group now routinely analyzes millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms across the entire genome and evaluates large-scale population-based sequencing data. To be competitive in this fast-moving and high-throughput environment, my research group focuses on the application of statistical methodology in the context of complex disease genetics. Ongoing projects necessitate the desire to build skills in bioinformatics and computer programming.
Education & Training
PhD, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, 2001