hellenthal-garrett

Human Evolution Interest

My primary work involved identifying regions of the genome associated with multiple sclerosis susceptibility using a sample of >10,000 case subjects and healthy controls collected from across Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This work formed part of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 (WTCCC2) project and involved a collaboration with the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC). 

I am currently developing and applying statistical methodology to study the genetic structure of individuals and populations, with a particular focus on exploiting genome-wide DNA to learn about human demography. This involves identifying periods in the past when world-wide populations have exchanged DNA, for example due to invasions or migrations, and describing the genetic make-up of the groups involved in these events. One current project involves characterizing the genetic structure of the United Kingdom, as part of the People of the British Isles (POBI) project. Another involves exploring the population structure and movements of different groups in Ethiopia. My general research interests involve applications of statistical methodology (Bayesian and otherwise) to genetics data, to explore the processes shaping genetic diversity such as drift, migration and selection.

Human Evolution Research Themes

Collaborative projects & Networks