Neil Risch, PhD, MS
Director
Institute for Human Genomics
Institute for Human Genomics
Dr. Neil Risch is a statistical geneticist, genetic epidemiologist, and population geneticist known for pioneering methods to map and identify genetic variants underlying both Mendelian and complex diseases. He contributed to the discovery of genes for torsion dystonia and hemochromatosis, and introduced admixture mapping as a powerful gene‑discovery tool in mixed‑ancestry populations. With Kathleen Merikangas, he proposed genome‑wide association studies (GWAS), now widely used to identify thousands of disease‑related variants. Dr. Risch collaborates with Kaiser Permanente on a 110,000‑person cohort combining genomic, clinical, and environmental data to study cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and aging outcomes. He also leads genetic studies of autism using California population databases. In population genetics, he has explored how ancestry influences mate choice and patterns of genetic variation, and developed novel methods to estimate kinship and analyze drift in populations like Ashkenazi Jews. His work bridges theory and application to advance genetic epidemiology research.
Lilyana Amezcua, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Co-Director, USC MS Comprehensive Care Center and Research Group
Keck School of Medicine at USC
Co-Director, USC MS Comprehensive Care Center and Research Group
Keck School of Medicine at USC
Dr. Lilyana Amezcua is a board certified neurologist and multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist at the University of Southern California, where she serves as Medical Director of the MS Comprehensive Care Center. She earned her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College, completed her neurology residency and chief residency at USC, and was a National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) Clinical Fellow. Her research focuses on how genetic, environmental, and ancestral factors influence MS expression, progression, and treatment response, particularly among Hispanic patients. She studies high risk subgroups, such as those with opticospinal MS, and explores how factors like migration and vitamin D levels affect outcomes. Dr. Amezcua has expanded her work to include genome wide association studies to identify ancestry related genetic variants linked to MS. A recipient of the NIH KL2 Award and the Nancy Davis Junior Investigator Award, she also serves on NMSS advisory boards and helps develop wellness initiatives for MS patients.
Raj S. Ramesar, PhD
Head, Division of Human Genetics and
Director of the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Research unit,
University of Cape Town
Director of the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Research unit,
University of Cape Town
Dr. Raj S. Ramesar is Professor and head of the Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town. He also serves as Director of the MRC Human Genetics Research Unit, and CANSA’s Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium. Prof Ramesar is principal investigator on the Retinal Degenerative Disorders research project. He is involved directly with several established research projects aimed at elucidating the genetic basis of diseases in South Africa, including neuropsychiatric disorders.
Carl V. Hill, PhD, MPH
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association
Dr. Carl V. Hill is Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association, leading initiatives to expand outreach, address health inequities, and engage underrepresented communities in dementia care and research. Previously Director of Special Populations at the National Institute on Aging, he developed its Health Disparities Research Framework. Dr. Hill holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and an MPH from Morehouse School of Medicine, which honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Award.