Faculty profile
Wei Deng
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I study the biological and statistical foundations of decision-making traits and their impact on health. My research integrates statistical genetics, multi-omics, and neuroimaging to understand how traits like impulsivity, delay discounting, and executive function shape behavioral and cardiometabolic outcomes. To advance this goal, I also develop scalable, interpretable models that bridge addiction science, cognitive neuroscience, and precision medicine. Students interested in thesis supervision, MSc or PhD opportunities, or research volunteer positions are welcome to send a CV, up-to-date transcript, and contact information for two references by email. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students with strong quantitative background, such as math, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics, and engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. All thesis students have already been recruited for the 2026–2027 academic year. Priority will be given to students with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds, especially those interested in statistical genetics and with strong programming skills. Experience with R is essential; Bash and Slurm experience is an asset. Prospective students (thesis and graduate level) are encouraged to reach out and discuss research interest, fit, and growth at their earliest convenience.
Research areas are derived from OpenAlex topics of their publications.
67 publications.
Prognostic biomarkers of future diabetes in South Asian women diagnosed with gestational diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Azab SM, Lamri A, Gayowsky A, Shanmuganathan M, Desai D, Williams NC, Kroezen Z, Chanchlani R, Darling EK, Britz-McKibbin P
Precision Weight Loss Requires More Than Behavior Change
Deng WQ, de Souza RJ
The Genoeconomics of Impulsive Intertemporal Choice: A Critical Review
Deng WQ, Belisario KL, Doggett A, Elsayed M, Cooper A, MacKillop J
Garbage in, garbage out: stringent quality control of behavioral data boosts signal in brain–behavior associations
Elsayed M, Deng WQ, Belisario KL, MacKillop J
Longitudinal characterization of impulsivity phenotypes boosts signal for genomic correlates and heritability
Deng WQ, Belisario K, Munafò MR, MacKillop J
A Scoping Review of Epigenetic Signatures of Diet and Diet-related Metabolites: Insights from Epigenome-Wide Association Studies and Their Implications for Cardiometabolic Health and Diseases
Asif R, Liu R, de Souza RJ, Azab S, Chong M, Anand SS, Deng WQ
Externalizing as a common genetic influence for a broad spectrum of substance use and behavioral conditions: A developmental perspective from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
Deng WQ, Belisario K, Doggett A, Pigeyre M, Pare G, Munafò MR, MacKillop J
Genome‐Wide Association Studies of Delay Discounting and Impulsive Personality Traits in Children From the Adolescent Behavior and Cognitive Development Study
Deng WQ, Elsayed M, Belisario KL, Sanchez‐Roige S, Palmer AA, MacKillop J
Meta-analysis examining fetal sex-specific placental DNA methylation intensities and estimated cell composition post IVF
Lemaire M, Deng WQ, Smith KW, Wilson SL
Trajectory of Early Life Adiposity Among South Asian Children
Azab SM, Naqvi S, Rafiq T, Beyene J, Deng W, Lamri A, Morrison KM, Teo K, Santorelli G, Wright J
Courses taught
1- Graduate
Independent Study in Medical Sciences
MEDSCI 799 · last taught 2026
Research institutes and memberships
- Global-Glocal Research Centre (G2RC)
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research (PBCAR)
Frequent collaborators
20Guillaume Pare
Pathology & Molecular Medicine
34 shared papers, latest 2025
Sonia Anand
Medicine
14 shared papers, latest 2026
Sandi Azab
Medicine
11 shared papers, latest 2026
James MacKillop
Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
10 shared papers, latest 2026
Marie Eva Pigeyre
Medicine
9 shared papers, latest 2026
Russell de Souza
Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact
9 shared papers, latest 2026
Researchers with similar interests
Sandi Azab
Medicine
Epigenetics and DNA Methylation, Birth, Development, and Health
Guillaume Pare
Pathology & Molecular Medicine
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
Matthew Lanktree
Medicine
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
Daria Grafodatskaya
Pathology & Molecular Medicine
Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
Marie Eva Pigeyre
Medicine
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
Joseph Beyene
Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact
Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
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