Herbold Computational Biology Program
Computational Biology Values
We are a collection of labs who use computational methods to learn about biology. We want computational biology to be a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all backgrounds,
- advancing biology via rigorous and reproducible research
- forming a nexus of labs leading to collaborative science
- placing an emphasis on mentorship of the next generation of researchers
- fostering a diverse community of computational biologists
The Herbold Computational Biology Program was established in 2007 with the support of Bob and Pat Herbold. We merge traditional biological sciences with advanced training in physics, statistics, mathematics and computer science. By using computational methods and tools to address biological questions, we explore what was once purely experimental or purely computational/statistical, allowing our program to address new areas of research.
The Computational Biology Program (CB) strives to provide a respectful environment for everyone here, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, marital status, genetic information, genetic status or characteristics, military or veteran status, or on any basis protected by an applicable law (a “protected characteristic”).
Faculty and Labs
Our faculty members have expertise in transcription/translation control, adaptive-immune system dynamics, and phylogenetics.
News
See the latest news about our program scientists, research, grants and discoveries.
The Mahan Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Mahan postdoctoral fellowship supports exceptional young scientists in the early stages of their careers. We offer fellows a 21-month stipend as they pursue their proposed research project, alongside a mentor in one of our Herbold Computational Biologist laboratories.
Recent Publications
- Lu SX, De Neef E, Thomas JD…Abdel-Wahab O, Bradley RK. Pharmacologic modulation of RNA splicing enhances anti-tumor immunity. Cell. 2021 Jul 22;184(15):4032-4047.e31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.05.038. Epub 2021 Jun 24. PMID: 34171309.
- Eguia RT, Crawford KHD, Stevens-Ayers T, Kelnhofer-Millevolte L, Greninger AL, Englund JA, Bloom JD. (2021) A human coronavirus evolves antigenically to escape antibody immunity. PLoS Pathog 17(4): e1009453. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1009453
- Greaney, Allison J., Andrea N. Loes, Katharine HD Crawford, Tyler N. Starr, Keara D. Malone…Jesse D. Bloom. "Comprehensive mapping of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain that affect recognition by polyclonal human plasma antibodies." Cell host & microbe 29, no. 3 (2021): 463-476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2021.02.003
- Starr, T.N., Czudnochowski, N., Liu, Z...Corti D, G Snell, Bloom JD. SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies that maximize breadth and resistance to escape. Nature 597, 97–102 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03807-6
- Vichas, A., Riley, A.K...Berger AH. Integrative oncogene-dependency mapping identifies RIT1 vulnerabilities and synergies in lung cancer. Nat Commun 12, 4789 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24841-y
Groups
Computational biology consists of members spanning Public Health Science, Basic, Human Biology, VIDD, and a variety of departments at the University of Washington.
We welcome both computational researchers who want to learn about biology, as well as biologists who want to learn computational methods. The Fred Hutch is well equipped to bring people in the latter category up to speed. Comp bio faculty run MCB 536, a course to introduce computational tools to biology graduate students, and our scientific computing documentation is comprehensive and up to date.
phyloseminar.org
Access a free monthly seminar series on phylogenetics, organized by Dr. Frederick “Erick” Matsen. Attend seminars online in real time or via recordings at your convenience.
Girls Who Code
The Fred Hutch club in partnership with the national nonprofit organization, Girls Who Code. We offer a year-long, after-school program designed to build a foundation in computer science. Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb advises our club on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. for girls in grades 10-12 during the school year.
Computational Biology Postdoc and Graduate Student Group
This self-governed group facilitates collaboration and community among postdocs and graduate students with an interest in Computational Biology. Our bimonthly meetings give students the opportunity to practice an upcoming talk, review research, discuss new technology, and ask questions.
To learn more, contact Samantha Distel.
Mailing Address
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Herbold Computational Biology Program
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024