Population genomics researcher joins CBTS faculty
September 13, 2024 • CBTS, faculty, MIG
Dr. Austin Reynolds, an expert in population genomics, joined the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth as assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics.
Reynolds’ research explores human genomic variation and its influence on health and disease. His lab combines expertise of population genetics, genomics, anthropology and epidemiology to answer questions in four primary areas:
- Human evolutionary genetics and understanding how migration, admixture, demography and natural selection have shaped genetic diversity and complex traits
- The genomics of immune response and infectious disease risk
- How our genomes interact with social and lifestyle factors to create health disparities in diverse populations worldwide
- Using genomics to better diagnose and understand the etiology of rare diseases
“One of the most exciting things about joining HSC is the campus-wide focus on health disparities,” Reynolds said.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a large group of researchers working with diverse and underserved communities in the DFW metroplex and beyond.”
Reynolds says he was also drawn to the collaborative research environment at HSC.
“Being able to work together as part of an enthusiastic team is one of my favorite parts of doing science and I see a lot of opportunities for that at HSC,” Reynolds said.
“I have already had several productive conversations with researchers here about ways for my lab’s expertise in computational genomics to contribute to ongoing efforts in healthy aging, immunology, and cancer research.”
Before joining HSC, Reynolds was assistant professor of anthropology at Baylor University and was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Davis, where his work focused on using population genomic datasets to answer questions about ancestry and natural selection. He received a PhD in Integrative Biology from The University of Texas at Austin.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Reynolds on our faculty. He joins an already stellar team of scientists in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics who are focused on complex human diseases and disorders,” said Dr. Bruce Bunnell, chair and professor of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics.
“The addition of his expertise will open new avenues for collaboration across all of HSC and introduces exciting, new research opportunities for our students.”
The Reynolds Lab is accepting graduate students is CBTS’ PhD or MS in Biomedical Sciences program. Students interested in rotating in the lab can contact Reynolds at austin.reynolds@unthsc.edu.
Social media