Research Interests
Keywords: Mapping of complex disease loci in animal models, statistical genetics
I run a statistical genetics lab interested the relationship between genes and complex disease. In particular, we are interested in animal models of multifactorial human disease, including cancer susceptibility, diabetes and anxiety disorders and how these are affected by genetic variation. Our current research topics are:
1) Development of statistical methods for modeling the effect of genetic variation on comorbid disease traits.
2) Development of methods for characterizing statistical uncertainty of multiple QTL models due to population structure, finite sample size, confounding
environment and uncertainty in genetic causal state.
3) Hierarchical modeling of multivariate phenotypes in animal models.
4) Design of mouse resource populations for linkage disequilibrium mapping.
We currently focus on the use of outbred and recombinant inbred populations of rodents such as the Heterogeneous Stock (HS) mice, HS rats, the Collaborative Cross, Advanced Intercross Lines and derived populations, and collaborate extensively with experimental groups in the analysis of such populations.
Mentor Training:
- Everfi Course – Harrassment and Discrimination Prevention
- Faculty Mentoring Workshop for Biomedical Researchers
- Mental Health First Aid
- Office of Graduate Education-Implicit/Unconscious Bias Training
Publications
Link to Publications on Reach NC site
William Valdar in UNC Genetics News
February 28, 2023
Beltran, Perou and Valdar Recognized with Awards for Excellence in Basic Science Mentoring
The Office of Graduate Education has recognized three Genetics faculty members with Mentoring Awards.
October 24, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications for October 9th – 22nd, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 10 papers during October 9th – 22nd, 2022.
October 6, 2022
Rachel DuMez (GMB) and Ellen Risemberg (BCB) selected top ten for Three Minute Thesis
Congratulation to Rachel DuMez, Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Student, and Ellen Risemberg, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Student, who were both selected in the top ten for Three Minute Thesis!
May 23, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications May 8th – 21st, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during May 8th – 21st, 2022.
May 9, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications April 24th – May 7th, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during April 24th – May 7th, 2022.
January 3, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications December 12th, 2021 – January 1st, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during December 12th, 2021 – January 1st, 2022.
July 24, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications for July 11th – July 24th, 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 12 papers during July 11th - July 24th, 2021.
June 23, 2021
BCB Predoctoral Training Program Grant Funded by NIGMS
The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) grant has been renewed for five years by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
June 23, 2021
Will Valdar, PhD Receives New Subcontract from NIDDK
Dr. Will Valdar (Professor, Department of Genetics) is the recipient of a subcontract from a new R01 grant awarded to Dr. David Threadgill at Texas A&M University.
March 20, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications for March 7-20, 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published ten papers during March 7-20, 2021.
