Todd Edwards

Todd Edwards is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of of Medicine, with affiliations in the Division of Epidemiology and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. He is also the Director of Graduate Studies for the Human Genetics PhD Program, playing a key leadership role in academic training.

Education:

• BS in Biology, Middle Tennessee State University
• MS in Applied Statistics, Vanderbilt University
• PhD in Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University

Dr. Edwards is a genetic epidemiologist whose research centers on identifying genetic determinants of complex human traits, particularly those exhibiting disparities across demographic groups. His work leverages electronic health records to build cohorts for large-scale genetic association studies. Key areas of investigation include cardiovascular traits (e.g., blood pressure, hypertension), diabetes, and women's health conditions such as uterine fibroids. His methodological expertise spans genetics, epidemiology, and statistical analysis.

Although specific publications are not listed in the provided text, his research portfolio as reflected through his lab and program affiliations indicates a strong focus on translational genetic epidemiology, population health, and data-driven discovery using real-world clinical data. His work bridges computational methods with clinical insights to understand disease etiology.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No specific awards listed in the provided text.

Dr. Edwards is deeply committed to mentoring and training future scientists. He previously served as Associate Director of Graduate Studies for the Epidemiology PhD Program and currently leads the Human Genetics PhD Program as Director of Graduate Studies. He developed a Coursera MOOC titled "Genetic Epidemiology Foundations," expanding educational access globally. He has mentored trainees who now hold faculty or equivalent positions in academia, industry, and the NIH, demonstrating significant impact on the next generation of researchers.

He leads the Edwards Lab, which is engaged in collaborative reproductive and gynecological research, with active projects in pregnancy health and uterine fibroids. The lab works within a broader interdisciplinary framework involving epidemiology, genetics, and clinical medicine.