The Wei Lab has 2 main areas of research.  We leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to assist in screening skin lesions, to achieve earlier and more accurate precision diagnosis of skin cancers and other skin disorders. We also analyze how the intersection of environment, behavior, genetics and clinical factors can initiate and influence the outcomes of skin cancers and other skin disorders. Disease paradigms studied by our group that illustrate this intersection: an aggressive skin cancer called melanoma, and common inflammatory skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis and acne. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are powerful methods that we use to develop ways to better screen for and diagnose skin cancer and other diseases.  We have developed AI computer vision models for clinical and histopathological assessment of melanomas and AI and machine learning models to discriminate benign and malignant lesions.   

Melanoma and certain inflammatory skin disorders share commonalities in that both can have a genetic susceptibility. Both are affected by the environments to which skin is exposed, for example the macroenvironment such as geographic location, or type of healthcare system; or the microenvironment such as the microbiome. The course of both disorders can often also be modified by behavior. 

• For melanoma, ultraviolet radiation exposure contributes to most of the disease burden. Behavior can alter the disease course, for example by implementing preventative strategies, accessing healthcare and skin screening. Our group studies the effectiveness of preventative strategies, sunscreens, and novel screening approaches. We also study the healthcare environment and how that can affect melanoma outcomes.  
• For atopic dermatitis (AD), the surrounding environment can influence disease course. We study the effects of short-term exposure to wildfire air pollution on AD as well as on other inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and acne. Our group is investigating how air pollution modifies disease course and studies strategies to mitigate air pollution's adverse effects.