I pioneered multiple statistical methods and theory to study the effects of natural selection and other evolutionary processes on observed DNA sequences. Using geometric deep learning and/or other machine learning techniques, I now plan to improve genealogy and haplotype inference for low quality, low coverage, and/or small sample size data. I am also studying a class of estimators for epidemic infection rates in closed populations (e.g., boarding schools or small towns). The scientific impact of my work applies to rare and common disease causes and therapeutics and epidemiology. In all my work, I strive for reproducible experiments, well-documented software, and interpretable, efficient, and statistically rigorous computational methods.
- Science Mentor: Gideon Bradburd, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, LSA
- AI Mentor: Jonathan Terhorst, Statistics, LSA