Precision Medicine & Public Health
Translating genomic and clinical data into actionable insights for aging and dementia care. NIH-funded Principal Investigator and Associate Director of the Institute for Public Health Genetics at the University of Washington, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world implementation—ensuring tools are accurate, useful, and equitable.
🧬 Pharmacogenomics Implementation
- Ancestry-aware genomic risk assessment
- Clinical decision support design
- Provider education strategies
- CPIC guideline implementation
🤖 AI & Digital Health Strategy
- Genomic screening workflows
- Bias and fairness for predictive models
- LLM and AI integration
📊 Evidence Evaluation
- External validation and transportability analysis
- Real-world evidence assessment
- Systematic review and synthesis
- Biomarker validation pathways
⚖️ Health Equity Reviews
- Bias assessment in risk prediction tools
- Calibration analysis across populations
- Implementation science for diverse settings
- Community engagement frameworks
🔬 Study Design & Data Strategy
- Multi-omics study planning
- Pragmatic trial design
- Longitudinal cohort analysis
- Integration of EHR and biobank data
📚 Training & Capacity Building
- Executive education workshops
- Pharmacogenomics implementation training
- AI literacy for precision medicine leaders
- Health equity in genomic medicine
Experience: NIH-funded research in pharmacogenomics implementation and community-based precision medicine • Advisory roles evaluating clinical decision support tools and genomic screening and training programs • Multi-cohort collaborations with major health systems and national biobanks • Training faculty and practitioners in precision medicine integration
Research Focus
Blood-based Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging
I study how genomic and proteomic data can improve decision-making in aging and dementia care. Current projects evaluate multi-omics associations with longitudinal changes in brain imaging and cognition, including both targeted analysis of known biomarkers and large-scale discovery efforts. This research informs consulting work evaluating commercial biomarker tests and designing screening programs for health systems. Funded by NIH/NIA K01 award.
Translational Pharmacogenetics
I identify genomic variants associated with medication efficacy and toxicity, and evaluate implementation strategies across diverse settings. Work includes community-based participatory research, electronic health record analysis, and clinical guideline development. These studies provide the evidence base for consulting on pharmacogenomics implementation, including provider education strategies and ancestry-aware clinical decision support.
AI-Enabled Precision Medicine
I adapt machine learning and AI methods to generate insights beyond traditional epidemiology. Recent work includes natural language processing for clinical phenotyping, digital frameworks for personalized treatment optimization, and evaluation of prediction models. I develop risk prediction tools while ensuring fairness, calibration, and clinical utility across populations.
Community-Driven Epidemiology
Long-standing research partnerships with American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Alaska and Montana. Research is community-driven and designed around pressing health questions developed by community members. I develop methods that maximize respect for participants in epidemiological research and create tools for researchers to incorporate these values into their work.
Track Record
Publications span multi-omics analysis, causal inference, machine learning, pharmacogenomics, and equitable translation to practice.
Impact Areas
Medication Optimization
Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias
Pharmacogenomics
AI in Healthcare
Health Equity
Community-Driven Research
Precision Public Health
Let’s Collaborate
Based at the University of Washington Department of Epidemiology and Institute for Public Health Genetics
Contact me to discuss consulting opportunities, research collaborations, or speaking engagements.
Fohner Lab 