Tianyuan Lu has always loved learning languages and how they shape different perspectives. This and his love for working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds put him on a path to his new position as an Assistant Professor in the UW-Madison Departments of Population Health Sciences and Biostatistics and Medical Informatics.
Hailing from Hefei, Anhui, China, Lu obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Fudan University in Shanghai and a PhD in Quantitative Life Sciences from McGill University in Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Before joining UW-Madison, he was a Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His research focuses on statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology, and multi-omics methods to improve disease outcomes.
Dr. Lu described his background and interests as he sets up his group at UW-Madison.

Please give us an overview of your research interests and program.
My research focuses on developing and implementing rigorous statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology methods to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human complex diseases. My field of research—genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics—allows me to combine my passion for data science with my desire to address real-world health challenges. It offers numerous emerging opportunities to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms and bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
What is the significance of this work?
Ultimately, my goal is to translate these research findings into actionable medical care approaches and therapies, contributing to the development of personalized medicine and improving health outcomes across diverse populations.
Is there a single person or experience that most influenced your trajectory to where you are today?
My trajectory has been shaped by many people and experiences, each contributing in unique and meaningful ways. Among them, my PhD and postdoc mentors (Drs. Brent Richards, Celia Greenwood, Lei Sun, and Andrew Paterson) played a pivotal role in my development as a researcher. They consistently encouraged me to think freely, independently, and critically, and empowered me to explore research topics that genuinely excited me, even when my ideas were unconventional or challenging. Beyond intellectual freedom, they also provided me with the resources and guidance to turn my ideas into tangible contributions. These experiences have profoundly shaped the way I approach science today, and continue to inspire me to pay it forward by supporting others in the same way.
Dr. Lu has enjoyed many past collaborations, including with medical doctors, statisticians, epidemiologists, biologists, and informaticians. He is excited to establish new collaborations at UW-Madison and welcomes readers to find out more about his research on his lab’s website.