DC Rao

Dr. D.C. Rao is a Professor of Biostatistics at Washington University in St. Louis, holding joint appointments in Genetics, Psychiatry, and an adjunct role in Mathematics. He leads the Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics (I2DB) and contributes to the Institute for Public Health and Center for Biostatistics and Data Science (CBDS). As former Division Director of Biostatistics (1980–2019), he focuses on genetic dissection of complex traits, particularly cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome, with over 700 publications and six co-authored books.

His research emphasizes gene-environment interactions, leveraging large-scale genomic datasets. He actively mentors PhD/MSTP students through programs like the Biostatistics Education Summer Institute (PRIDE) and directs postdoctoral training grants. Rao’s work has been supported by numerous grants as Principal Investigator, including coordinating centers for multicenter genetic studies.

Key collaborations span global institutions, with recent studies addressing atrial fibrillation genetics, lipid metabolism, and diet-score interactions in blood pressure regulation. His editorial roles include founding Editor-in-Chief of Genetic Epidemiology (1984–1991) and leadership in the International Genetic Epidemiology Society.