Kari North, PhD, a prominent figure in genetic epidemiology and public health genomics, has joined UTHealth Houston. She assumes the role of vice president of border health and professor at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
North will oversee the Border Health Research Center in Brownsville. Her responsibilities include leading collaborative research to foster innovation and improve public health in the U.S.-Mexico border area.
“We are excited to have Dr. North join the outstanding team in the Rio Grande Valley,” stated Kevin Morano, PhD, senior vice president of Academic and Faculty Affairs at UTHealth Houston. “She’s been a long-time collaborator with the School of Public Health’s transformative research and community cohorts established there. We look forward to new initiatives and even greater impact in the region under her leadership.”
With over 20 years of experience, North has managed multiple National Institutes of Health projects with funding exceeding $50 million and has participated in several interdisciplinary initiatives.
“Dr. North brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to advancing precision population health through novel genomic discoveries,” said Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, dean at the School of Public Health. “Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our research, education, and development of precision public health practices.”
North's work focuses on understanding genetic and environmental factors affecting chronic diseases like obesity and cardiometabolic conditions. She employs large-scale data integration to develop precision public health strategies.
“I am eager to start this new chapter of my life,” North expressed. “Throughout my career, I have cultivated an environment of sustained excellence... I look forward to continuing this mission in my new roles at UTHealth Houston.”
North's academic contributions include over 593 peer-reviewed publications. She has held leadership positions in national research consortia such as PAGE, CHARGE, and GIANT.
Her move from the University of North Carolina Gillings School highlights her dedication to improving public health through scientific innovation.
