Meharry Medical College announces the appointment of Dr. Amadou Gaye as the inaugural Chair of the new Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology. Dr. Gaye, most recently a Staff Scientist at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a highly accomplished genomic epidemiologist whose research focuses on the genetic determinants of cardiometabolic and inflammatory diseases. He began his new role at Meharry on August 1, 2024.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Gaye to Meharry Medical College to lead our new Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology,” said Dr. Anil Shanker, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at Meharry Medical College. “His extensive experience in cutting-edge genomic research, coupled with his commitment to addressing health disparities in underserved populations make him the ideal person to spearhead this important direction for Meharry’s research focus on African ancestry genomics.” This effort is facilitated by the Accelerate Precision Health Program funded at Meharry by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. It is also in alignment with the broader Together for CHANGETM initiative launched by the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute with the funding support of the biopharmaceutical consortium, including the Regeneron Genetics Center, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Roche. The activities of the new department will synergize with the activities of the Diversity Center for Genome Research funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute and the John Lewis Endowment Program for Cardiometabolic Health Disparities Research funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
In his role as Chair, Dr. Gaye will be responsible for establishing the department research agenda, building a diverse team of faculty, students, and staff, and creating collaborative partnerships with researchers across Meharry’s campus and beyond. The new department will focus on leveraging the latest advances in genomics, genetics, and data science to better understand the genetic and environmental factors contributing to health disparities, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
“I am honored to join the Meharry Medical College community and lead the new Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology,” said Dr. Gaye. “Meharry’s long-standing commitment to serving diverse and underserved populations aligns perfectly with my own research interests and passion for addressing health inequities. I look forward to working with the talented faculty and students at Meharry to advance our understanding of the genomic underpinnings of complex diseases and translate these insights into tangible improvements in human health.”
Dr. Gaye received his PhD in Genetic Epidemiology from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and has since built an impressive research portfolio, with numerous publications in high-impact journals and recognition for his contributions to the field. He was selected for the prestigious NIH Stadtman Scholarship and has held research positions at the University of Bristol, the University of Leicester, and the NIH.
The new Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology at Meharry Medical College is set to open its doors in August 2024.
About Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College, founded in 1876, is the nation’s largest private, independent historically Black academic health sciences center dedicated to educating physicians, dentists, researchers, and public health professionals. True to its heritage, it is a leading national educator of underrepresented minorities. For more information about Meharry Medical College, visit https://meharrysogs.org/.
