We love solving hard problems from evolution and adaptive immunology.

We enjoy all facets of computational biology research, from diving deeply into biological questions, to mathematical and statistical analysis, algorithm development, and efficient algorithm implementation.

 Bayesian phylogenetics via optimization

Phylogenetic (evolutionary tree) inference is important for genomic epidemiology and for our understanding of evolution. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis allows us to assess and integrate out tree estimate uncertainty to obtain more reliable estimates of other model variables of interest (e.g. transmission rates). Current Bayesian methods rely on Markov Chain Monte Carlo, which does not scale to large data sets. We are developing an alternative formulation in which we perform systematic search to find a structure that represents the collection of trees in the high-posterior-density region, paired with variational inference for continuous parameters on this structure.

 Phylodynamics with many sequences

With SARS-CoV-2 we are in a completely new “big data” regime at the intersection of phylogenetics, immunology, and epidemiology. This big data stresses existing inferential tools to the breaking point, yet offers many new opportunities to start afresh. We are developing new frameworks for inference in this regime.

 Foundations of phylogenetics

Phylogenetic trees are complex objects of inference, with intertwined discrete (tree structure) and continuous (dates, rates) structure. Inference leads to very interesting challenges in statistics and discrete math. We cannot resist interesting problems on the essential elements of phylogenetic inference.

 Antibody sequence analysis

B cells, the cells that make antibodies, develop according to a beautiful and complex evolutionary process. One can sequence the result of this process in high throughput, but learning the evolutionary history of these sequences requires carefully-designed algorithms. We develop these algorithms and apply them in collaborative projects to learn about how antibodies develop in response to specific pathogens such as HIV.

 Learning mechanism and immune history from immune receptors

The adaptive immune system “learns” to recognize pathogens through highly diverse immune receptors called B and T cell receptors. The DNA sequences of large collections of these receptors can now be readily obtained using high-throughput sequencing. We develop methods to learn about immune history, genetics, and immunological mechanism using these sequences: these are additional topics compared to the evolutionary questions considered just above.

 Immunology on the protein level

The outcome of an immune response depends on the fine details of protein-protein interactions. These interactions can be probed in high-throughput assays called “deep mutational scans.” In collaborative work, we develop means of learning from these rich data, and develop models to predict future interactions in the face of evolutionary change.

Let's learn from each other.

We foster a highly collaborative environment where trainees with a biology background can learn analytical tools, and trainees with a mathematics/statistics/CS background can collaborate with biologists on hard problems of significance. We maintain a rich international collaborative network with thought leaders in their fields, and support trainees with staff programmers who can help bring ideas to life. This environment has been highly productive for recent trainees: every postdoc “graduate” desiring a tenure-track faculty job has gotten one.

We also love hearing from other research groups for potential collaborative projects. Drop us a line!

We are humans, not science robots.

We strive to be a dynamic yet supportive environment where trainees can develop into independent scientists.

We believe that science is for everyone. We acknowledge the historical and present barriers for underrepresented groups. We work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in computational biology, both through PI efforts in faculty leadership, and through internship and mentorship programs.




Thank you to taxpayers and private foundations for supporting our work.