Student Testimonials

OUR STORIES

A REAL INSIGHT

Read what our program means to our students...

Hovhannes Arestakesyan

Dr. Hovhannes Arestakesyan, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Class of 2023

Research Scientist | George Washington University

“When I reflect on my time in the GWU MS program, I am happy for the deep understanding of biochemistry and bioinformatics that I gained. The program's flexibility allowed me to select a research topic relevant to my interests, and the diverse selection of accessible labs made the process exciting. The faculty's help and supervision were vital to completing my thesis work, and the content was always engaging and accessible. This experience has not only provided me with important abilities for the future, but it has also provided me with a sense of preparedness that I will carry with me.”

Zhe Yu

Dr. Zhe Yu, M.D., Ph.D.

Class of 2023

Research Scientist | George Washington University

“I recently completed a Master's program in bioinformatics, and it was a fantastic experience. The curriculum was well-designed, with educated and encouraging lecturers who gave me the necessary skills and information for my future ambitions. The program's flexibility for part-time students was what I liked best about it. As a full-time employee, I was able to mix my studies and employment and improve myself without jeopardizing my career. Overall, I am happy for the opportunity to be a part of this program and would enthusiastically suggest it to others.”

Evgenia Ulianova

Evgenia Ulianova, M.Sc.

Class of 2022

Research Scientist | George Washington University

“My time in the program has been nothing short of exceptional. While the superb quality of academic instruction is undoubtedly a highlight, the program offers so much more. The faculty's unparalleled mentorship reflects a genuine commitment to student success. This nurturing environment extends beyond the classroom through collaborations with external agencies like the NIH and FDA. The program cultivates a culture rich in scientific curiosity, fostering a spirit of exploration and innovation. Leveraging the skills and knowledge I acquired, I've successfully led a metabolomics project in my present position at the GW Biostatistics Center.”

Helen Ibeawuchi

Dr. Helen Ibeawuchi, M.D., M.Sc.

Class of 2021

Assistant Professor | University of Pikeville

“I earned my Master's degree at The George Washington University (GWU), where I received essential knowledge and skills that have helped shape my profession. With a strong background in bioinformatics from GWU, I am now an assistant professor at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville. I performed medicine at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital after finishing my education before opting to pursue scientific research. My time at GWU gave me the tools I needed to succeed in a fast-paced professional setting and laid the framework for my current success in genomic research.”

Turkey Alsaeedy

Dr. Turkey Alsaeedy, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Class of 2021

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) | Saudi Arabia

“At GWU, I earned a Master's degree in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry. My road took me to the Horvath Lab during this incredible chapter of my life, where I experienced great growth and learning. Dr. Horvath's professional mentoring not only helped me discover my genuine love but also instilled in me an obsessive enthusiasm for Single-Cell Sequencing. As a graduate researcher and teaching assistant at CCAS, I had the honor of working with a fantastic team led by Dr. Horvath. At the Thirteenth MS Bioinformatics and Biochemistry Graduate Student Symposium, I received the Best Presenter Award for my collaborative efforts. Now, I'm sharing and implementing the knowledge I received at GWU at KACST, a premier scientific organization in Saudi Arabia, and making a significant contribution to the scientific community.”

Lin Yang

Lin Yang, M.Sc.

Class of 2020

Ph.D. Candidate Medical Biophysics | University of Toronto

“I received my Master's degree in Molecular Biochemistry and Bioinformatics at GWU when I shifted from pure biological research to bioinformatics.  Outside of the classroom, I gained important research experience under the guidance of Dr. Wei Li. His knowledge and mentorship not only aided me in learning the necessary information and talents for computational biology, but also instilled in me a great passion for single-cell technology, and my experience at GWU undoubtedly had a profound impact on my academic and professional development. It established the framework for my previous position as a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute faculty member and now as a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto.”

Merve Dede

Dr. Merve Dede, M.Sc., M.D., Ph.D.

Class of 2018

Postdoctoral fellow | MD Anderson Cancer Center

“My academic path at GWU through the Master's degree in Molecular Biochemistry and Bioinformatics created a solid platform for my successful advancement to a Ph.D. student, and now, a postdoctoral fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I got a deeper understanding of molecular biochemistry techniques and bioinformatics through outstanding mentoring and hands-on experience, propelling me toward a rewarding career in computational cancer biology and precision medicine. I definitely recommend this curriculum to anyone who wants to thrive in their field.”

Mercedeh Movassagh

Dr. Mercedeh Movassagh, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Class of 2017

Research Scientist | Yale School of Medicine

“As a Master's student at George Washington University, I was able to learn a range of important skills through both classroom instruction and hands-on research work. I was challenged to apply lecture principles to assess problems and comprehend research papers, both of which were compulsory components of the curriculum. In terms of my solo research, I consider myself lucky to have worked under the expert supervision of Dr. Horvath. The sheer number of learning opportunities that came as a result of her guidance was remarkable. The extensive exposure and guidance I obtained at GW aided in the completion of my Ph.D. journey. I sincerely feel that my time at GW served as a vital stepping stone, establishing the platform for my employment as a Harvard School of Public Health fellow and Yale University faculty member.”