Taylor Johnson

PhD Candidate, Public Health Genetics

Taylor is in her second year of the Institute's PhD in Public Health Genetics program. She previously earned an MS in Genetic Epidemiology and is interested in the genetic and environmental relationship that influences susceptibility of infectious diseases. Taylor wants to conduct research discovering genetic susceptibility to disease and host-gene interactions that influence disease progression.

Areas of Interest:
  • The genetic and environmental relationship that influences susceptibility of infectious diseases
  • Global health and disease outbreak

Yunqi Li

PhD Candidate, Public Health Genetics

As part of her PhD studies, Yunqi is currently a research assistant working with Dr. Jairam Lingappa and Dr. Romel Mackelprang from the International Clinical Research Center at Department of Global Health. Their research focuses on using transcriptome analysis to identify intrinsic factors involved in HIV-1 acquisition and infection pathogenesis.

Areas of Interest:
  • Applying genomic data analysis in biomedical/public health studies

Scott Spencer

PhD Public Health Genetics

Currently working in economic evaluation, Scott recognizes the many different factors are required for adaption and utilization of clinical sequencing and other emerging biotechnologies in healthcare settings. His research interests are focused on the intersection of health economics, precision and personalized medicine, public policy and bioethics. 

Areas of Interest:
  • The intersection of health economics, public policy, and bioethics