I hold a PhD in biostatistics with special emphasis and expertise in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology. During my postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, my research was focused on design and analysis of large-scale genetic association studies. My research interest is primarily in genetic epidemiology of aging. I have a track record of publications and NIH-funded grants, including two R21s and a COVID-19 supplement recently awarded by the National Institute on Aging. 

 

R21AG060018 (PI: Kuo)          09/01/2018-06/30/2021             

NIH/NIA

Understanding the Role of ApoE2 in Longevity and Age-Related Diseases and Conditions Using 500,000 UK Biobank Participants

ApoE2 is associated with reduced dementia incidence and longevity but is also linked to adverse health outcomes. In this study we will use the UK Biobank data, which features a very large sample size (500,000 participants) and rich genetic and phenotypic data, to characterize associations between ApoE2 and age-related health outcomes. We aim to investigate the roles of genetic and environmental factors such as physical activity and biomarkers in the relationships between ApoE2 and age-related health outcomes for potential interventions.

Role: Principal Investigator

 

R21AG060018-02S1 (PI: Kuo)          09/01/2020-06/30/2021                      

NIH/NIA                                             COVID-19 supplement grant

Genetic susceptibility of ApoE to delirium and dementia in COVID-19 confirmed cases

Delirium has been found to frequently occur in COVID-19 hospitalized patients and ApoE e4 allele has been associated with delirium and dementia using general population samples. We aim to understand the risk of delirium and dementia posed by COVID-19 for patients with different ApoE genotypes. Our findings are expected to shed light on the biological mechanisms and have important implications for the management of public health and clinical interventions.

Role: Principal Investigator

  

R21NR018963-01A1 (PI: Kuo)          09/02/2020-07/31/2022

NIH/NINR

Identifying potentially modifiable exposures to improve telomere health and disease outcomes

We propose to use UK Biobank data to delineate modifiable exposures that directly influence or moderate the change in telomere length across the lifespan, and how these influence health and risk of disease. Our findings will be useful to prioritize modifiable exposures for personalized interventions with the ultimate goal of improving telomere health and disease outcomes.

Role: Principal Investigator

Education

Degree	Institution	Major
B.B.A.	National Chengchi University	Statistics
M.S.	National Taiwan University	Biostatistics, Statistical Genetics
Ph.D.	University of Pittsburgh	Biostatistics, Statistical Genetics

Post-Graduate Training

Training	Institution	Specialty
Postdoctoral	National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)	Research Fellow

Awards

Name of Award/Honor	Awarding Organization
Accredited Professional Statistician	American Statistical Association

Journal Articles

Book Chapters

Letters

Reviews