VIPBG News

By Elizabeth Long

Elizabeth Do is a fifth-year student in the Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Statistical Genetics PhD program. Prior to her training at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Elizabeth earned her Bachelors of Arts in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and her Master of Public Health from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her desire to learn more about both the genetic and environmental factors contributing to mental health disorders led her to pursue doctoral studies at VIPBG.

Currently, Elizabeth is working on her dissertation research, which focuses on tobacco use behaviors. Specifically, she is investigating the effects of genes and the environment on tobacco use behaviors in young adulthood. Her work uses a variety of methodological approaches, including twin modeling and genetic analyses, such as genome wide association studies and polygenic risk scores.

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Outside of her research, Elizabeth enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. She also enjoys binge-watching shows and movies on Netflix, going hiking, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.