Lab Members
Karlijn Meeks, PhD, MSc
Principal Investigator
Karlijn is an epidemiologist committed to advancing research on the causes and underlying mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases in global populations, with an emphasis on African-ancestry populations in sub-Saharan Africa and the diaspora. With academic training in nutrition and health (BSc, MSc), public health epidemiology (PhD), and genetic epidemiology (postdoctoral), she brings a multidisciplinary lens to studying how environmental and genomic factors shape cardiometabolic health. Karlijn is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, equipping trainees from diverse backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to cardiometabolic health research.
Nigussie A Kassaw, PhD, MPH, MSc
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Nigussie Kassaw is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Meeks Lab. He earned his PhD focused on Genetic Epidemiology from the University of South Australia, a Master of Public Health from Addis Ababa University, and a Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Hawassa University.
Dr. Kassaw’s research focuses on the genetic and environmental determinants of cardiometabolic diseases and their comorbidities, with particular emphasis on elucidating their underlying causes and mechanisms in populations of African ancestry. His doctoral work examined the genetic and environmental factors influencing alcohol use and its impact on morbidity and mortality using UK Biobank data. Building on this foundation, he continues to investigate the causal role of lifestyle factors in the development of cardiometabolic diseases and associated conditions. Dr. Kassaw employs both conventional epidemiological methods and genetic approaches, such as Mendelian randomization, and integrates genomics and multi-omics data, including epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to unravel complex interactions between lifestyle, genetics, and disease. His research aims to generate robust causal evidence and advance the understanding of disease risk and progression.
Muhau Mungamba, MSc
External PhD Candidate
Muhau is a doctoral researcher investigating the genetic and public health dimensions of cardiometabolic diseases, with a focus on African-ancestry populations in sub-Saharan Africa and the diaspora. She is pursuing a joint PhD in Physiology at Walter Sisulu University (South Africa) and Public and Occupational Health at Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam. Her research combines longitudinal epidemiology, epigenetics, and genomics to uncover mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease and related conditions in global populations.
In 2024, she completed competitive training in epigenetics through a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and she continues to be mentored in epigenetics and multi-omics by Dr. Meeks. Her broader vision is to bridge African and global health research networks, elevate non-European populations in molecular epidemiology, and contribute to precision medicine for all.
Birhan Ewunu Semagn, MPH
External PhD Candidate
Birhan is a PhD candidate at Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie GROW COFUND program. His research focuses on applying a life course perspective to cardiometabolic health in Sub-Saharan African populations. He holds an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Health Sciences from the University of Gondar and a B.Sc. from Debre Berhan University, where he completed interdisciplinary coursework in clinical subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics, as well as public health disciplines like epidemiology, biostatistics, health service management, and health education. Birhan previously served as a lecturer at Debre Berhan University in Ethiopia and was a DAAD In-Region Scholar at the University for Development Studies in Ghana. His PhD is supervised internally at Amsterdam UMC and advised externally by Dr. Karlijn Meeks (University of Maryland School of Medicine) and other collaborators.
Lab Culture
In the Meeks Lab, we believe that a lasting impact in science comes from working together. We are committed to creating a lab culture grounded in collaboration, mutual respect, inclusivity, high quality research, and long-term sustainability.
We collaborate generously and thoughtfully. Complex challenges in global health require diverse perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences. That’s why we share credit fairly, welcome input from all members of the team, and actively seek partnerships across disciplines and communities.
Mutual respect is the foundation of our work. We can only thrive when every lab member, whether graduate student, postdoc, or research associate, feels genuinely heard and valued. Respect means listening actively, engaging thoughtfully with each other’s ideas, and offering feedback that is both constructive and kind. It helps us create a workplace that is not only productive but truly enjoyable.
Inclusivity guides our daily actions; from advocating for all populations to be represented in research, to making sure our communication is accessible, to fostering a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.
We hold ourselves to a high standard of research. Our work in genomics and epidemiology demands rigor, continuous learning, and transparency. We recognize that making mistakes is part of the scientific process, and we work together to identify and correct errors, and ensure the integrity of our results.
Finally, we value sustainability, both in science and in life. We believe in hard work, but reject the idea that success depends on burnout. Instead, we focus on steady progress, balanced lives, and building a research environment that can thrive for the long term. Our goal is not just excellent research today, but also a legacy of future scientists equipped to continue the work.
As Principal Investigator, I am committed to supporting you to become the scientist you want to be. In return, I ask that you approach your work with integrity, curiosity, and respect for those around you. Together, we are building something meaningful.
Warmly,
Dr. Karlijn Meeks