Kristin Young

Kristin Young, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on genetic epidemiology and health disparities related to complex diseases, particularly obesity.

Dr. Young received her educational training from prestigious institutions:

• PhD in Anthropological Genetics from the University of Kansas (2009)
• MA in Anthropological Genetics from the University of Kansas (2001)
• MS in Clinical Research from the University of Kansas Medical Center (2011)
• BS in Zoology and BA in Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma (1995)

Dr. Young's research program centers on understanding the genetic and environmental factors contributing to health disparities in obesity and related complex diseases. Her work employs advanced genomic techniques including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), fine-mapping of genetic loci, and functional validation of obesity-related variants. A particular focus of her research involves examining gene-environment interactions, particularly how genetic susceptibility to obesity interacts with lifestyle factors. Her work spans multiple disciplines including genetic epidemiology, anthropological genetics, and population health.

Analysis of Dr. Young's recent publication record (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on multi-omics approaches to understanding obesity and related metabolic disorders. Her work increasingly incorporates diverse population samples, with emphasis on health disparities across racial and ethnic groups. Key themes in her recent work include genetic architecture of severe obesity, gene-lifestyle interactions, multi-ancestry genomic studies, and the application of advanced statistical methods to complex trait analysis. Her research often bridges basic genetic discovery with clinical and public health implications.

Dr. Young has received numerous honors and awards recognizing her contributions to the field:

• NCTraCS KL2 Scholar (2015, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
• NIH Loan Repayment Program (2014, NIMHD)
• Ethan Sims Young Investigator Finalist (2014, The Obesity Society)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship from Carolina Population Center (2012-2015)
• K30 Clinical Research Fellowship (2009-2011, University of Kansas Medical Center)
• NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009-2011, University of Kansas Medical Center)

Dr. Young serves on multiple committees and is an active member of professional organizations including the American Society of Human Genetics, The Obesity Society, and the American Heart Association. Her service activities include judging research competitions, participating in outreach programs like DNA Day, and coordinating journal clubs focused on genetic epidemiology. Her teaching interests span physical anthropology, human genetics, and nutrition, reflecting her interdisciplinary background.

Dr. Young's research is conducted within the genetic epidemiology research group at UNC's Department of Epidemiology, which focuses on the genetic underpinnings of heart, lung, and blood disorders. Her work often involves collaboration across disciplines and with diverse study populations to better understand the causes of common chronic diseases and enable prevention strategies.