Student Testimonials

Christie Woodside
Bioinformatics Analyst - Theiagen Genomics

I chose George Washington University for my master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry because I wanted to be close to and gain experience working with government labs. Being in DC made it possible for me to pursue research at GW on a government funded project, which was an incredible opportunity alongside my coursework. I also appreciated that classes were offered outside of standard work hours, which allowed me to work full time while completing my degree. The courses and instructors were consistently up to date on the latest clinical research, technologies, and sequencing platforms/data, which made the learning feel truly relevant. I felt supported in building both strong technical skills and a solid scientific foundation that could be applicable anywhere in the STEM workforce. I would highly recommend this program!

The coursework was very detailed and in-depth, which could be difficult to fully grasp at times, but it was incredibly rewarding when everything started to click. Lectures focused on current research and tools were sometimes demanding when completing assignments, but they’ve been extremely valuable in my work. Balancing the program with a full-time job was also a challenge, but the support from faculty and peers made it a really positive experience.
 

Cyrus Chun Hong Au Yeung
Laboratory Assistant | Mazumder Lab | George Washington University

I came from a biochemistry background, I joined the program hoping to build a strong foundation in data analysis and learn how to approach problems programmatically, started with almost no coding experience. But over the past two years, I’ve grown confident enough to design and implement my own computational pipeline. These have been two rewarding years that have prepared me to move forward in my career and contribute to cancer research.
 

Vania Ballesteros Prieto
Research Assistant| Horvath Lab | George Washington University

Completing my Master’s in Bioinformatics has given me a clear understanding of its value and strength. The foundational coursework introduces the latest methodologies and best practices applied in the field today. The program is highly flexible, offering various opportunities to engage in research across different labs and develop computational skills in real-world contexts. I am very grateful for the guidance I received and the experience I gained as a member of the Horvath Lab. Beyond the classroom, GWU also provides meaningful spaces to share and refine research, including the Bioinformatics Symposium, Scientific Retreats, Research Showcases, and departmental seminars. The feedback and support from faculty and peers were instrumental in my growth as a bioinformatician and helped set me on a strong path toward future success.
 

Luke Johnson

Bioinformatics Analyst 1 for UMB in the Institute for Genome Sciences

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the bioinformatics master's program. I learned a lot of important skills through a mix of courses as well as hands-on projects. Being able to develop the skills with specialized bioinformatic's tools and ideas is something that has been invaluable as I am going onto my next steps and really helped me become a competitive applicant. The friendly and supportive faculty and staff always encouraged me to think deeper about problems and helped me become the best bioinformatician I can be. This was done by not just using tools but really understanding the tools and what they are really doing and when they are applicable to certain data.
The most challenging and rewarding aspects of the program for me were the project based courses. I enjoyed getting to learn hands-on with working on a project over some time rather than just memorizing for tests and quizzes. I think these helped me build up my skills by doing real work and I am glad that I got to work in a real HPC environment.

Hovhannes Arestakesyan, MSc, PhD
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, MD, PhD
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, MSc
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, MD, MSc
Class of 2021
Associate 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, MSc, PhD
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, MSc
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, MSc, MD, PhD
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, MSc, PhD
Class of 2017
Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine | Senior Bioinformatician at Sonice Health Care

“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.”