Jessica L. Fetterman, PhD, FAHA

My research program utilizes trans-disciplinary approaches to advance our understanding of the role and mechanisms of mitochondrial genetics in cardiovascular pathophysiology. To do so, we evaluate mitochondrial genetics and biology at the population level through genetic epidemiology and systems biology approaches, at the cardiovascular tissue level through rapid autopsy samples and biopsies, and through the creation of cardiovascular cells from human induced-pluripotent stem cells. We are creating a number of software packages aimed at enhancing our ability to delineate pathogenic and benign mitochondrial genetic variants and to enable the investigation of mitochondrial-nuclear genetic interactions. Our goal is to identify the mechanisms for how mitochondrial genetic variation contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. When not thinking about mitochondria, I enjoy biking on the Esplanade, cooking, and settling into a book with a cup of coffee.