POP-GEM

Population Genetics and Environment
in Mental Health

Markos Tesfaye, MD, PhD, Speaks on Cultural Humility Panel!

April 2025

Markos Tesfaye, MD, PhD (3rd from the left), spoke on a panel addressing cultural humility in healthcare, highlighting how implicit bias can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate care for minority patients. He emphasized the impact of stereotypes on psychiatric diagnoses and treatment disparities in physical health for those with mental illness. Great job, Dr. Tesfaye!

Downstate Annual Research Day!

March 2025

POP-GEM Lab members Jasmine Cárcamo, M.A., Shwetha Phatarpekar, Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. student, Tadeusz Wroblewski, presented their research posters at the annual Downstate Research Day, sharing their work with peers and faculty in the Downstate research community.

Review Paper Published led by Roseann Peterson,PhD in collaboration with PGC Cross-Pop,LAGC,and PGC Africa!

March 2025

"Diversifying Psychiatric Genomics: Globally Inclusive Strategies Toward Health Equity"

Paper Published led by Madhur B. Singh!

January 2025

“Unidirectional and bidirectional causation between smoking and blood DNA methylation: evidence from twin-based Mendelian randomisation”

Welcome Dr. Tesfaye Woldeyohannes!

January 2025

Markos Tesfaye Woldeyohannes, MD, PhD, is a research scientist at POP-GEM Lab and the Institute of Genomics in Health, State University of New York - Downstate Health Sciences University. His current research applies statistical genetics and multi-omics tools to understand the molecular mechanisms of psychiatric disorders across populations and environmental contexts.

Congratulations Madhur!

December 2024

Congratulations to Madhur B Singh for being awarded the Kenneth S. Kendler Award for Excellence in Predoctoral Research!

Downstate Symposium: Psychosis in a Global Context: Advancing Discovery through Partnership

November 2024

The Institute for Genomics in Health (IGH) at Downstate recently hosted a symposium exploring how genetics and life experiences influence mental health conditions like psychosis, depression, and PTSD. Researchers emphasized the importance of including diverse populations in genetics studies to enhance the accuracy of findings across communities. By bridging gaps in diversity, IGH is working toward more equitable and precise mental health care. Check out the full symposium on YouTube to learn more!

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Pioneering Minds: Women in Behavioral & Psychiatric Genetics

September 2024

Frontiers in Genetics hosted Pioneering Minds, a networking event spotlighting women in behavioral and psychiatric genetics. Leaders in the field, including Lab Director, Roseann Peterson, PhD, shared insights on advancing research, publishing, and career growth.

Congratulations Dr. Roseann Peterson!

August 2024

Lab Director, Roseann Peterson, PhD, has been named the Specialty Chief Editor for the Behavioral and Psychiatric Genetics section of Frontiers in Genetics!

Downstate Annual Research Day Posters!

March 2024

POP-GEM Lab members Huseyin Gedik, PhD and Kaila Boyer, medical student presented their posters at the annual Downstate Research Day meeting.

Congratulations Dr.Dana Lapato!

March 2024

Congratulations to Dana Lapato, PhD for winning the NINDS Rigor Champions Prize!

Paper Published!

January 2024

"Examining interactions between polygenic scores and interpersonal trauma exposure on alcohol consumption and use disorder in an ancestrally diverse college cohort", co-authored by Rowan O'Hara, Roseanne E. Peterson, PHD, Eva E. Lancaster, PHD, and Chris Chatzinakos, PHD, was published in Frontiers!