Dr. Amadou Gaye is a genetic epidemiologist with a distinguished academic and research career. Raised in Senegal, he developed a deep interest in science and health disparities early in life. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at Fachhochschule Mannheim, Germany, and earned a master’s in bioinformatics from the University of Leicester, UK. Dr. Gaye was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Leicester, followed by advanced postdoctoral training in Data Science at both the University of Leicester and the University of Bristol.

Dr. Gaye’s research is centered on three primary themes: (1) the development of innovative biostatistical methods for epidemiological and genomic studies, (2) investigating the genetic and environmental determinants of multifactorial conditions, with a particular emphasis on cardiometabolic diseases and cancer in populations of African ancestry, and (3) advancing capacity-building initiatives for underrepresented groups in genomics research.

In his applied research, Dr. Gaye explores the interplay between genetic, environmental, and socio-demographic factors contributing to cardiometabolic diseases and cancer in African descent populations. As Chair of the Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology at Meharry Medical College, he leads research integrating genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and socio-environmental data to address health disparities and improve cardiometabolic health outcomes in historically underserved populations.

Applied Genomic Epidemiology Lab,

The Applied Genomic Epidemiology Lab, led by Dr. Amadou Gaye, is dedicated to investigating the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and socio-behavioral factors that contribute to the development of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. Our lab integrates cutting-edge genomic, molecular, and data science approaches to uncover the underlying mechanisms driving health disparities, with a particular focus on populations of African ancestry.

Research Focus

• Cardiometabolic Traits and Health Disparities
  We explore how genetic variants, molecular pathways, and social determinants contribute to disparities in blood pressure, kidney function, and cardiovascular outcomes. Using large-scale datasets, we investigate gene-environment interactions and develop omics-informed polygenic risk scores tailored for diverse populations.
• Obesity and Metabolic Variability
  Our research examines the heterogeneity in obesity-related health outcomes, including “metabolically healthy” phenotypes versus high-risk profiles. We aim to identify molecular and socio-environmental factors that delay or exacerbate complications like hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
• Intersection of Metabolic Disorders and Cancer
  The lab investigates how metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, contribute to colon cancer development. This includes examining chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota dysbiosis to uncover pathways for targeted interventions in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Collaborations

Our work thrives on multidisciplinary collaboration, partnering with experts in molecular biology, epidemiology, and computational science. We actively collaborate with institutions globally to advance research in genomics, health disparities, and precision medicine.

Training Opportunities

The lab is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists through research opportunities and training programs in genomic epidemiology, data science, and molecular biology. Our goal is to equip trainees with the skills needed to tackle complex challenges in biomedical research.