Gina Peloso, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics. Prior to joining BU, she was a post-doctoral fellow in Human Genetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute. Her primary research focus is statistical genetics. She has contributed to the identification of common genetic variants through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with complex cardiovascular traits, particularly with plasma lipid levels. She also investigates the role of rare genetic variation using both exome and whole genome sequencing. Her goals for studying genetic variation of blood lipid levels include, first, making insights into the biology behind the traits: What are the underlying causes of high/low lipid levels? Second, to use genetic variants to answer clinically meaningful questions: Can we use genetic variants to predict risk?: Does genetics point to potential therapeutic targets? Finally, to make connections between diseases by shared genetic contributions: What is the relationship between the genetics of blood lipid levels and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)? Gina is an active member in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium and TOPMed Program, and a lead investigator in the Global Lipid Genetic Consortium (http://lipidgenetics.org/).   (Source: Boston University)