The research in our laboratory is focused on achieving a deeper understanding of blood cell production (hematopoiesis) in humans and how this process goes awry in human diseases. We employ a range of genetic approaches, including family-based studies, exome and genome sequencing studies of disease cohorts, and population-based association studies. We couple the insights we gain from such human genetic studies with mechanistic analyses in order to more fully understand hematopoiesis. In addition, we aim to utilize the knowledge obtained from such genetic studies to improve upon current treatment approaches for various blood disorders and to enable improved manipulation of hematopoiesis. Our studies are of relevance to numerous blood disorders including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, congenital anemias, and a number of bone marrow failure disorders.