Shabnam Salimi

Dr. Shabnam Salimi serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A physician-scientist trained in genetic epidemiology and computational biology, she focuses on biomarkers of chronic diseases and aging processes using omics data integration. Her work bridges clinical medicine with public health applications, particularly in understanding aging mechanisms and chronic disease pathophysiology.

Education:

• MD, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (2003)
• MSc, Umea University (2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetic Epidemiology, University of Maryland Baltimore (2015)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Epidemiology of Aging, University of Maryland Baltimore (2017)

Dr. Salimi's research centers on identifying molecular biomarkers for aging and chronic diseases through advanced omics methodologies. She investigates how genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors interact to influence aging trajectories and disease susceptibility, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular health, bone metabolism, and inflammatory pathways. Her work leverages large population cohorts including the Old Order Amish and Baltimore Hip Fracture Study to translate findings into clinical and public health applications.

Her 15 most recent publications (2017-2020) demonstrate expertise across environmental epidemiology, genetic associations with aging, and pandemic-related aging research. Key themes include air pollution impacts on vascular function, molecular crosstalk between aging hallmarks and infectious diseases, and multi-omics approaches to biomarker discovery in diverse populations. Much of this work involves NHLBI's TOPMed consortium and utilizes whole-genome sequencing in multi-ancestry cohorts.

Professional Recognition:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse Travel Awards (2011, 2014)
• World Health Organization Travel Award (2011)
• Radiation Research Society Young Investigator Award (2014)
• American Heart Association Fellowship (2016)
• Multiple best presentation awards at aging research conferences (2017-2018)

Dr. Salimi has secured pilot funding as Principal Investigator through the University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center for research on inflammatory markers following hip fracture. Her work has been supported by NIH institutes including NIA, NHLBI, and NIDDK, with additional recognition from the Radiation Research Society and American Heart Association. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across geriatrics, nephrology, and environmental health research.

She contributes to the Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program and participates in the Aging ShowCase at Johns Hopkins University, working within multidisciplinary teams focused on translational geroscience and aging biomarker development.