Washington University in Saint Louis
Ph.D. Human Statistical Genetics
Advisors: Elaine R Mardis PhD, Obi L Griffith PhD
2012-2017(expected)
Ph.D. Human Statistical Genetics
Advisors: Elaine R Mardis PhD, Obi L Griffith PhD
2012-2017(expected)
BS Bioinformatics
University Honors
2009-2012
Honors Thesis: Digging up the Molecular Relationships of the Freshwater Crayfish Fallicambarus (Decapoda: Astacidae)
I am a data scientist anticipating completion of Ph.D. in Human and Statistical Genetics in mid to late 2017. I have a strong computational background with experience in big data, machine learning, statistics, data visualization, and communicating data insights verbally and in writing. I am interested in using cutting-edge data mining methodologies to solve disparate real world problems in academia and industry. Most recently in the academic sphere, I have been leveraging huge datasets to tranlate genetic data to clinical care. Specifically, I have lead a team of developers to produce a web resource, DoCM, that facilitates the curation of cancer-causing mutations in the academic literature. Similarly, I developed a machine learning model that automates the manual review of cancer mutations to eliminate false positives. Additionally, I created a start-up to produce an app that uses machine learning to allow users to easily create healthy meal plans which won a national student start-up competition. In my next position I am looking to apply and develop my data science skill set in a postdoctoral or industrial role.
Advisors: Elaine Mardis PhD, Obi Griffith PhD
2013-Present
My thesis is focused on using machine learning, data curation, and software development to identify and prioritize cancer mutations from whole genome sequence data. Specifically, this involved leading the development and curation of DoCM, the database of curated mutations, published in Nature Methods. Additionally, I developed a novel machine learning model that automates the laborious process of manually reviewing putative somatic cancer mutations for false positives.
Siteman Cancer Center
2014-2016
The Cancer Biology Pathway Fellowship is designed to train pre and postdoctoral students in interdisciplinary research relevant to cancer biology. Fellows shadow oncologists from various departments to give them an understanding in clinical cancer care. They also participate in coursework that teaches them about current clinical problems and how to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
Advisors: Nancy Saccone PhD, Rob Mitra PhD, Rakesh Nagarajan PhD, Alison Goate PhD
2012-13
Rotated in both "wet" and "dry" lab environments performing a variety of tasks from cell culture to statistical/bioinformatic programming. Worked on a variety of disease systems and biological problems ranging from cell fate decisions to Alzheimer's disease.
Advisor: John S. K. Kauwe PhD
2011 - 2012
Performed statistical analysis determine genetic relationshop of biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease.
Advisor: Keith A. Crandall PhD
2009 - 2011
Performed sanger sequencing and computation to estimate the phylogeny of the freshwater crayfish genus Fallicambarus. Results published in Zoologica Scripta and as Undergraduate Honors Thesis.
September 2015 - Present
Assembled a team of 12 students to create SaaS-markeplace app, using machine learning, to promote healthy eating through meal planning and better management of grocers’ inventory.
March 2015 - Present
Advised 3 companies in real estate, agriculture and ag-tech performing due diligence, profitability, and market entry analyses
April 2011 - November 2011
Worked on the back end web development of the BYUtv and BYUtv Sports website using the .Net framework and C#. Performed database creation, manipulation and modification with SQL and noSQL databases. Created and maintained web services.
Nature Genetics
January 31, 2017
Nature Methods
September 29, 2016
Experimental Hematology
May 15, 2016
Genome Biology
May 6, 2016
Nucleic Acids Research
November 3 2015
PLoS Computational Biology
August 6 2015
PLoS Computational Biology
July 9, 2015
*These authors contributed equally to this work
Nature
November 17, 2014
*These authors contributed equally to this work
PLoS Genetics
October 23, 2014
Genome Biology
August 27, 2014
Biological Psychiatry
January 21, 2014
Zoologica Scripta
January 4, 2013
Genome Informatics
Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
September 21, 2016
AACR Translation of the Cancer Genome
San Fransisco, Ca
February 7, 2015
Human and Statistical Genetics Program Retreat
Washington University in Saint Louis
September 26, 2014
Advances in Genome Biology and Technology
Marco Island, FL
February 27, 2015
AACR Translation of the Cancer Genome
San Fransisco, Ca
February 8, 2015
Human and Statistical Genetics Program Retreat (WashU)
Washington University in Saint Louis
October 11, 2013
Evolution 2010
Portland, OR
June 25-29, 2010
Bio 2950 - Introduction to Environmental Biology
Washington University in Saint Louis
Fall 2013
Graded term projects. Met with student groups individually and mentored them on improving term projects. Organized review sessions.
Jason Kunisaki, Undergraduate, Washington University
Mayank Choudhary, Graduate Rotation Student, Washington University
Lindell Ward - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2014-2017
As the Young Men President I lead the Young Men organization, which consist of a presidency of 3-4 adult leaders and 5-9 youth leaders. Responsibilities include implementing the curriculum for activities and regular lessons, planning and overseeing activities to promote the growth and development of the boys in the program.
Boy Scouts of America
2012-present
In conjunction with the Lindell ward Young Men organization, implementing overseeing the scouting program in the Lindell ward.
McDonnell Genome Institute
2014-2016
Lindell Ward - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2012-2014
Executed the plans and direction of the Young Men President. This includes teaching lessons, planning and arranging for quality activities and overseeing the boys individual development
BYU Student Advisory Council
2010-2011
Washington Everett Mission - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2007-2009
Full time volunteer. Performed a variety of functions including teaching, proselyting and community service. Assigned to learn and speak Spanish. During my service I trained new missionaries, organized and taught english classes and organized spanish language congregations.