The generation of huge data sets in gene-sequencing and computer-modeling labs challenges scientists to develop new approaches to information. “Genomics and biocomputing are important areas for the university, and we have invested in faculty in this area in the past two hiring cycles,” says Provost Sabah Randhawa.
Through the Biological Informatics and Genomics (BIG) initiative, Oregon State is building expertise to apply the latest research results to human health, agricultural crops and other pressing needs. Each new faculty member combines experience in biology, math and computational science.
Researchers brought to OSU include:
- David Hendrix, Biochemistry and Biophysics and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Patrick De Leenheer, Mathematics and Integrative Biology
- Thomas Sharpton, Microbiology and Statistics
- Stephen Ramsey, Medical Biology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
In addition, an undergraduate program (Bioinformatics and Data Science) and a graduate program (Biological Data Science) are in development.
