Computational Bioscience Program

The Computational Bioscience PhD Program brings a pioneering new approach to computation that advances human health and the molecular understanding of life.

Coloardo_Sofia

During an internship on campus in my undergraduate career, I was exposed to various professors in different departments. The CPBS program stood out for its diversity of research and the incredibly cooperative community. Being in Denver was a huge plus for me as well.

- Sofia Colorado, PhD Student

Highlights

Congratulations to Jo Hendrix!

Congratulations to Jo Hendrix & Dr. Michael Strong for their recently published article "Host and pathogen response to bacteriophage engineered against Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection."

Abstract

Two mycobacteriophages were administered intravenously to a male with treatment-refractory Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection and severe cystic fibrosis lung disease. The phages were engineered to enhance their capacity to lyse M. abscessus and were selected specifically as the most effective against the subject's bacterial isolate. In the setting of compassionate use, the evidence of phage-induced lysis was observed using molecular and metabolic assays combined with clinical assessments. M. abscessus isolates pre and post-phage treatment demonstrated genetic stability, with a general decline in diversity and no increased resistance to phage or antibiotics. The anti-phage neutralizing antibody titers to one phage increased with time but did not prevent clinical improvement throughout the course of treatment. The subject received lung transplantation on day 379, and systematic culturing of the explanted lung did not detect M. abscessus. This study describes the course and associated markers of a successful phage treatment of M. abscessus in advanced lung disease.

Congratulations to Connor Elkhill!

Congratulations to Connor Elkhill, who was awarded a Team Oriented Training across the Translational Sciences Spectrum (TOTTS) TL1 Award!

Elkhill_Connor

"My project is titled “Development and clinical translation of machine learning methods to optimize treatment outcomes in craniosynostosis on a patient specific level.” I aim to create image computing and machine learning methods to quantify head anomalies from 3D photogrammetry accounting for patient diversity and translate them to the clinic for pre- and post-surgical evaluation of craniosynostosis to optimize surgical treatments. I am supported by my CPBS mentor Dr. Antonio Porras and translational sciences mentor Dr. Brooke French from the Children’s Hospital Colorado. This award is a major step to help me realize my goal to become a career scientist who develops and uses cutting edge image computing and machine learning algorithms to advance clinical science, impact the practice of medicine, and improve patient outcomes."

Congratulations to Eric Prince!

Congratulations to Eric Prince, who was awarded a Team Oriented Training across the Translational Sciences Spectrum (TOTTS) TL1 Award!

Prince_Eric

"My project is designed to provide the advanced training necessary to perform team-based translational research regarding how explainable artificial intelligence software can be designed to improve clinical decision-making in cancer. With my CPBS PhD mentor, Dr. Carsten Görg, I am being trained on the practical design and implementation of human-centered computing experiments. With my clinical translational mentor, Dr. Todd Hankinson, I am participating in an immersive clinical experience where I am learning how clinicians utilize technology to make decisions regarding the care of pediatric brain tumor patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The TL1 TOTTS award supplements my CPBS PhD training program to reinforce my professional development and to facilitate my long-term career goal of developing software to improve cancer care."

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CU Anschutz Medical Campus