M Geoffrey Hayes

M Geoffrey Hayes, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University with dual appointments in the Department of Medicine (Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine) and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his PhD from the University of Utah in 2002. His research integrates genetics, genomics, and epidemiology to study complex diseases, with emphasis on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), population genetics, and evolutionary adaptations.

Research interests span:

• Genetic architecture of complex traits/diseases
• Statistical genetics and genome-wide association studies
• Whole genome sequencing applications
• Population genetics and signatures of selection

Recent publications (2025) demonstrate strong focus on PCOS pathogenesis, genetic prediction of anthropometric traits, and methodological advancements in multi-ancestry genomic analyses.

Awards include:

• Endocrine Society Presidential Poster Awards (2017, 2011)
• Clinical Science Research prizes at NU events (2017, 2013, 2009)
• Gabriel W. Lasker Prize Runner-up (2009)
• Arctic research excellence awards (2002, 2000)

He mentors trainees as senior author on award-winning research and leads/participates in multiple centers:

• Center for Genetic Medicine
• Center for Diabetes and Metabolism
• Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics
• NUCATS translational institute