Digna R. Velez Edwards, PhD, MS

Dr. Digna Velez Edwards is a genetic epidemiologist, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director of the Division of Quantitative Sciences , and Director of Women's Health Research center. Her research is focused on understanding and identifying genetic risk factors for complex diseases with a specific focus on diseases that disproportionately impact minorities and genetic factors related to women's health and reproductive outcomes. She utilizes large clinical databases that link electronic health record (EHR) information to DNA to conduct genomic studies. Current research projects include genetic studies of preterm birth, miscarriage, uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, preeclampsia, and keloids. These studies include genome-wide association analyses, next-generation sequencing, evaluation of biomarkers, clinical and polygenic risk prediction, and phenome-wide association studies.