Julie Horvath

Julie Horvath, PhD is a Senior Research Scientist at the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI). RENCI develops and deploys advanced technologies to enable research discoveries and practical innovations. RENCI partners with researchers, government, and industry to engage and solve the problems that affect North Carolina, our nation, and the world. An institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, RENCI was launched in 2004 as a collaboration involving UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. Dr. Horvath is also a collaborator with the Museum of Life and Science, located in Durham, NC.

Her research uses evolutionary and comparative approaches to explore the connection between host and microbial genetics and the impact on health and behavior. She brings expertise in science communication and citizen science projects that engage thousands of students and the public in her genetics and skin microbiome research on human and animal health and well-being. She is passionate about training and engaging students and the public in scientific research that impacts their daily lives.