The intersection of biology and data science is opening new frontiers in healthcare, and the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program is preparing students to lead the way. With the launch of the program’s Genomics Focus, students have the chance to apply advanced computational methods to some of the most complex and meaningful challenges in science today.

In this post, Admissions Ambassador and Genomics Focus student Emily Garman shares how a background in biomedical engineering and a curiosity about genomics led them to the Genomics Focus, what the experience looks like in the classroom and beyond, and how the program is equipping them to make an impact in research and industry. Read on to learn more.

From Biomedical Engineering to Data Science

I chose the University of Virginia (UVA) MSDS program because I wanted to combine my love for biology with my curiosity about data science. As an undergraduate student, I studied biomedical engineering (BME) at UVA, a program that centered around practical applications of developing biotechnology. I had a brief introduction to genomics in one of my BME courses that piqued my interest in the field when I learned about the larger implications that it can have on healthcare and furthering medical research.

If you're not sure what the field of genomics is, don't worry, you're in the majority. Before diving into my courses, I probably would have described the field "eloquently" by saying "genomics has something to do with DNA." In the last month, I have gained a better understanding of what I am studying, and I would say that genomics is a powerful way to combine computational and molecular biology, enabling the understanding of gene regulation and the identification of genetic factors linked to disease.

This is valuable for designing effective treatments and medical care! If you have a passion for doing work that can drastically change patients' lives and have attained an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or statistics, you should consider this program.

A Supportive Community with Shared Passions

If you're considering whether the Genomics Focus is right for you, MSDS Residential Program Director Prince Afriyie explains: "The Genomics Focus is the first official track within our MSDS program, made possible through support from the NIH. Genomic data represents a uniquely complex and powerful type of data, and students in this track will gain direct experience applying data science methods to genomic challenges."

This emphasis on hands-on application is what sets the track apart, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills that directly translate to real-world impact.

Afriyie continues:  "Our aim is to prepare students to explore the rapidly evolving innovations in genomic data science, positioning them for careers in this specialized domain or for continued study at the Ph.D. level."

With experiences like the MSDS Capstone project — where students partner with UVA’s Department of Genome Sciences to apply computational approaches to human disease — participants are set up to thrive. Courses, research opportunities, and professional development all work together to give students both the technical expertise and the big-picture perspective to succeed in a growing and highly specialized field.

If you feel that sounds pretty ambitious or intimidating, I would say I felt the same way. After only one month in the program, I can confidently say that my courses are already working to prepare me and my fellow students to tackle challenges like these.

What Makes the Genomics Focus Unique

On the Genomics track, you take classes with the entire cohort, such as Data Engineering and Machine Learning, which dive right into obtaining, cleaning, and modeling data. You will also have other courses — 9 credits worth — that are within the Genomics Focus, where you will study computational biology.

The Genomics students are currently enrolled in a course that meets once a week to discuss a recent journal article in the field of computational biology, to introduce us to the current state-of-the-art computational tools that are emerging. We also regularly attend seminars in the Department of Genome Sciences to learn about important research that is happening around us.

Another valuable opportunity offered by the Genomics Focus is to travel to two conferences each year to present your Capstone research, with expenses covered by a professional development fund. This is a great way to expand upon your experience and network with professionals from whom you can learn. It is so important to build a community of people to support you professionally.

I already have a great, collaborative community in the MSDS cohort as a whole, but I have found that the Genomics Focus, while small, opens up so many more opportunities to connect with other students who have the same interests and passions as I do.

Equipped for the Future of Healthcare

I am excited to keep exploring how genomics can shape the future of healthcare and one day apply the skills that I will learn during my time here through research or the industry. Whatever direction I go, I know the MSDS and the Genomics Focus will equip me for whatever data science challenges lie ahead.

I hope this gives you a glimpse into what the MSDS experience is like from the inside, and if you are curious about the Genomics Focus or considering a similar path, please reach out - I am always happy to share more!

With support from the National Human Genome Research Institute, the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science, in collaboration with the UVA Department of Genome Sciences, offers students Research Experiences in Genomics Applications of Responsible Data Science (REGARDS).

Learn more about the Genomics Focus here. You can contact Emily on LinkedIn, via email, or by scheduling a 20-minute Teams chat.

For more information about the research and capstone project, reach out to Michael Porter, associate professor of data science. Any MSDS Admissions-related questions may be sent to sdsadmissions@virginia.edu.