Our research program focuses on genetic, environmental and social risk factors which influence risk of disease and drug response. We have specifically focused on the genetics of asthma and drug response (pharmacogenetics) among racially and ethnically diverse populations. We are also investigating social and environmental determinants of health particularly as they relate to asthma among children. Specific social determinants that we are studying include the effects of race/ethnicity and social class on health outcomes. We are also investigating the effects of second hand tobacco smoke (SHS) and air pollution on asthma and asthma severity. Our collaborative team includes researchers ranging from molecular biologist, geneticists, clinicians, epidemiologists (genetic, environmental and social epidemiologists) and statisticians. In addition, we have collaborated on several other disease phenotypes including: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), breast cancer, pharmacogenetics, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

We initially began our studies with the Genetics of Asthma in Latino Americans (GALA) Study. We are now actively recruiting for the Study of African Americans, Asthma, Genes & Environments (SAGE) and the Genes-environments & Admixture in Latino Americans (GALA 2) Study. These cohorts will facilitate the assessment of gene-environment (G x E) interactions, admixture mapping and genome-wide association analyses of asthma and drug response.