Understanding the great extent of human diversity has occupied scientists for centuries, but it is only in recent years that we finally have the tools to begin to understand the molecular basis underlying complex traits.  In particular, our research focuses on genomics of complex human disease, with the primary goal of identifying and characterizing genetics variants that modify risk for human disease. Our group has pioneered the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which allow for an unbiased screen of virtually all common genetic variants in the genome. While GWAS have had remarkable success, identifying thousands of genomic loci that influence complex human traits, the specific genes and functional variants for the vast majority of these loci remain to be elucidated. To tackle this problem, we are currently developing improved GWAS methodology, as well as exploring the integration of additional genome level data (RNA expression, DNA methylation, protein expression) to improve the power to identify specific genetic influences of disease. We also use model systems, including cell culture and zebrafish, to characterize putative functional variants and understand how they alter biological processes. The Arking lab is actively involved in researching autism, a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder, as well as cardiovascular genomics, with a focus on electrophysiology and sudden cardiac death (SCD).  Additionally, the Arking lab is also interested in mitochondrial DNA copy number and its roles in cardiovascular diseases, frailty, and mortality.