Understanding nature and nurture: Statistical and AI innovations uncover how genes and environment shape human health

Human complex traits arise from the interplay of genes and environment. Understanding this interplay requires studying not only how DNA shapes disease risk, but also how social and environmental factors such as education and lifestyle modify genetic effects. To address these challenges, I develop computational methods that uncover these hidden interactions and reliably integrate AI-generated data to accelerate genetic discovery. Using these tools, I have shown how genes and environments jointly shape human health, why some treatments benefit certain people more than others, and how rigorous safeguards allow AI to expand scientific discoveries without compromising reliability. Together, these findings open new opportunities for personalized medicine and highlight the promise of trustworthy, AI-powered scientific discovery. Read his award-winning essay.