Statistics

Trust statistics to understand your gut

A statistics researcher is advancing our understanding of diseases caused by microbiome changes

A stylized, translucent red human figure with a visible skeletal structure and a distinct dark purple stomach highlighted inside a circular frame in the abdominal region, flanked by a DNA strand on the left and molecular network graphics on the right against a yellow background from Unsplash.
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Dr. Kevin McGregor, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics
Dr. Kevin McGregor, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics
Estimated Read Time:
1 minute
By

Kimia Shadkami

The numbers, types and diversity of the microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) living in or on our bodies can change depending on various factors. These changes can affect our metabolism, health and mood; therefore, understanding them can improve our quality of life. When we think about scientists who study these changes, statisticians might not be the first group that comes to mind. However, that is exactly what Dr. Kevin McGregor, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Science, focuses on.

McGregor's work revolves around microbiome data analysis and statistical genetics. He develops quantitative methodologies to analyze high-­dimensional genomic data. His recent publications advance our understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), a common functional digestive disorder, and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. 

This is an extremely popular field of study at the moment, as changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome have been shown to be associated with all sorts of diseases.

Dr. Kevin McGregor, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics

Kevin Mcgregor wearing a button down patterned shirt and eyeglass smiling at the camera.
Dr. Kevin McGregor

The size and atypical probability distribution of microbiome data are the two main challenges scientists face in this field; therefore, standard inference methods are not feasible. McGregor's work is novel in developing methodologies that address those challenges with a focus on reducing data dimensions. Working alongside him is Saurabh Panchasara, a PhD student in McGregor's lab who has called the field a sunrising field, emphasizing how exciting it has been to contribute to this important work.

When asked about the future, McGregor plans to develop microbiome analysis models that can be implemented through software tools and used by microbiologists, resulting in an improved understanding of microbiome changes in our bodies.

Hear from the researchers

To learn more about Dr. Kevin McGregor's research, please visit the Faculty of Science's YouTube channel to hear from the researchers directly!

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