Dr. Kamboh is a molecular geneticist/genetic epidemiologist and his research
focuses on the genetics of common diseases of public health importance,
including coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and lupus. Dr. Kamboh
also holds a joint position of Professor of Psychiatry at the School of
Medicine and he is a Fellow of the American Heart Association. Dr. Kamboh
directs a Human Genetics laboratory and also co-teaches a course in the
department entitled "Biochemical and Molecular Genetics of Complex Disease."
Research Interests:
The focus of Dr. M. Ilyas Kamboh's research is on the genetics of common
diseases of public health importance. Particular attention is being paid to
understand the genetic and molecular basis of coronary heart disease (CHD),
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lupus.
Dr. Weeks' research focuses on statistical human genetics in the area of mapping susceptibility loci involved in complex diseases. His primary interest is developing new mapping methods, which involves developing algorithms and statistics, implementing them in computer programs, and testing them on real and simulated data. In addition, he is actively involved in a large number of collaborative disease gene mapping projects, all of which constantly challenge him to develop new and more useful methods for dealing with the complexities of real data. These diseases include age-related macular degeneration, obesity,
otitis media, dental caries, pre-term birth, food allergy, autism, and
Type II diabetes.
My research is primarily concerned with identifying genetic susceptibility loci for common complex disorders. To this end, I apply various methods derived from statistics, genetics, and epidemiology to the analysis of large, typically family-based samples. My current projects include studies of non-insulin dependent diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and gastro-esophageal reflux. In addition to studies of diseases, I am also involved in research which describes the quantitative variation associated with non-disease traits, such as thyroid hormone levels. As part of all of these research projects, I am constantly adapting and applying cutting-edge and traditional methods of analysis and also occasionally developing new methods for complex disease analysis. Oh, and I like to ski too...
Research Interests:
Genetics of gastro-intestinal disorders; Genetic epidemiology of common diseases; Quantitative genetics; Computational genetics; Genetics informatics
Research focuses on the process of genetic counseling, genetic education, clinical service delivery, and the role of community service in patient care. Analysis of regional genetic service data from the Middle Atlantic Regional Human Genetic Network (MARHGN) provides information for policy development and establishment of uniform minimum criteria for genetic service delivery nationally.
Dr. Kammerer’s teaching and research interests involve the genetic epidemiology of risk factors of common human diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and osteoporosis. Her current research projects involve the statistical analyses of data on large, multigenerational families of Mexican Americans and Afro-Caribbeans, as well as large pedigrees of baboons, which are an animal model used in genetic studies of cardiovascular disease.
Research Interests:
The major focus of my research is to use statistical genetic methods to detect, characterize, and locate genes that affect quantitative risk factors of common human diseases. Using both phenotypic and genotypic data on large, multigeneration human families.
Lisa S. Parker, Associate Professor, Human Genetics and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 1990. Dr. Parker is a philosopher whose research focuses on ethical issues in genetic research and the provision of genetic services, informed consent, and women’s health issues. She serves as Director of Graduate Education for the Center for Bioethics and Health Law, directs the University’s interdisciplinary Master of Arts Program in Bioethics, and teaches courses in bioethics, feminist approaches in bioethics, and ethical and legal issues in genetics.
Dr. Grubs is Co-Director, Genetic Counseling Program. Dr. Grubs' teaching interests are in genetic counseling and clinical genetics. She is responsible for the course work for the graduate program in Genetic Counseling and lectures in genetic courses taught in the Department of Human Genetics and in the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. She also serves as the Genetic Counseling Program coordinator for the clinical rotations sites at several hospitals located in the Pittsburgh area. Dr. Grubs is interested in the development of genetic educational programs for health care professionals and the general public.
Research Interests:
Dr. Grubs' research interests include studying the human dilemmas that arise when individuals are confronted with the option of genetic testing and examining the process of genetic counseling. Using grounded theory, Dr. Grubs has studied the experiences of women/couples who were offered prenatal genetic testing. She found that these women/couples did not experience making a decision about prenatal genetic testing as a discrete medical event but rather as an emotionally charged, value-laden dilemma within the fabric of their lives. Dr. Grubs has expanded her research to study other groups of individuals who are offered genetic testing outside of a prenatal setting. Another research interest includes exploring issues related to interpretive approaches to qualitative research and using interpretive inquiry to generate theories of genetic counseling practice and the educational preparation of professionals in genetic counseling.
