Getting “Under the Skin”: Human Social Genomics in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis by Kristen Monét Brown A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Epidemiological Science) in the University of Michigan 2017 Doctoral Committee: Professor Ana V. Diez-Roux, Co-Chair, Drexel University Professor Sharon R. Kardia, Co-Chair Professor Bhramar Mukherjee Assistant Professor Belinda Needham Assistant Professor Jennifer A. Smith © Kristen Monét Brown, 2017
[email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9955-0568 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my grandmother, Gertrude Delores Hampton. Nanny, no one wanted to see me become “Dr. Brown” more than you. I know that you are standing over the bannister of heaven smiling and beaming with pride. I love you more than my words could ever fully express. ii Acknowledgements First, I give honor to God, who is the head of my life. Truly, without Him, none of this would be possible. Countless times throughout this doctoral journey I have relied my favorite scripture, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).” Secondly, I acknowledge my parents, James and Marilyn Brown. From an early age, you two instilled in me the value of education and have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my entire life. I thank you for your unconditional love, encouragement, sacrifices, and support. I would not be here today without you. I truly thank God that out of the all of the people in the world that He could have chosen to be my parents, that He chose the two of you.