Dr. Jones is a critical care physician and genetic epidemiologist who investigates the genetic determinants of acute respiratory failure.  Her primary research interest is the elucidation of the molecular and genetic risk factors governing susceptibility to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).  Her methodological focus is on the application of causal inference methods including Mendelian randomization, mediation analysis, and genetic risk scores to examine the genetic basis of exposures conferring risk for ARDS in diverse ancestral populations.  The purpose of this research is to optimize ARDS risk prediction and to identify potential targets for new ARDS therapies. Her research is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).