Dr. Casey Finnicum is a research scientist at Avera Genetics in the Avera McKennan Clinical Laboratory. He specializes in human population genetics and microbiome research, investigating how genetic and environmental factors influence health outcomes through advanced molecular genetic techniques.
Dr. Finnicum also holds academic appointments at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine as assistant professor in the Psychiatry Department and adjunct professor in the Basic Biomedical Sciences Department.
Scientific Research Expertise
Dr. Finnicum focuses on two primary research areas: human population genetics and gut microbiome interactions. His work on polygenic risk scores, genetic ancestry and population statistical genetics helps advance predictive approaches in personalized medicine. His microbiome research investigates genetic and environmental influences over the gut microbiome and how gut bacteria influence human health.
Areas of Interest
- Genetic ancestry and population genetics
- Polygenic risk scores for disease prediction
- Cardiometabolic and inflammatory risk factors
- Gut microbiome composition and function
- DNA methylation profiles and biomarkers
- Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS)
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