The Genetic Architecture of Leukoaraiosis and Cognitive Function

To anyone who has ever said to someone else, “You can do this. I believe in you.” It matters. For me, there were many of you. I am incredibly lucky, truly blessed, and forever grateful. iii Acknowledgements I offer my most sincere gratitude to my mentor and friend, Sharon Kardia. Sharon, you have been a pleasure to work with, a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, and a truly insightful scientific role model throughout my graduate career. From you, I have learned how to be an accomplished scientist, but more importantly, I have learned how to be an accomplished human being. Thank you for so generously giving your time and attention not only to my scientific endeavors, but also to helping me navigate through the complicated journeys of life. I am also grateful to Pat Peyser for always making my scientific growth a priority in her busy schedule, for including me in fun and exciting projects, and especially for the amazing lunches at Zingerman’s! I would also like to thank the other members of my doctoral committee, Sebastian Zoellner and Monica Uddin, for their helpful comments and encouragement through the dissertation process. I am looking forward to many more years of working with and learning from all of you. I would also like to thank the members of the Kardia Research Group, past and present