SHILI LIN

My research interests are in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology. I currently focus on the development of statistical and computational methods for linkage analysis, association mapping, and the analysis of microarray gene expression data. The sort of data that render conventional methods infeasible, such as data from large families with complex relationships, is of a long-standing interest of me. Other important issues in mapping complex traits, such as genetic heterogeneity and multiple testing, are also of particular interest. Some of the methods that we are developing are based on Monte Carlo simulations utilizing Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and the method of sequential imputation. I am also collaborating with researchers in the Medical School in two genetic epidemiological studies. The first is a large scale genetic as well as longitudinal study to uncover genetic and environmental risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus. The second study is on multiple sclerosis, in which we test candidate genes for their association with the disease. My collaboration with a group of researchers at the Florida State University to study the genetics of poodle epilepsy continues. We are currently investigating the mode of inheritance in standard poodles using the data that we have collected over the last seven years.