The Stowers Computational Biology Scholars Program, launched in June 2024 by the Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, offers a one-year immersive learning opportunity for early-career computational biologists and bioinformaticians. Inaugural Scholar Ojong Besong recently shared his experience gaining hands-on computational and technology training and applying this to answer biological questions.

Besong views the program as an opportunity to learn from Technology Center scientists and work on the research questions of the Institute’s Principal Investigators by applying cutting-edge computational tools and analytical methods. Specifically, he is working with Assistant Investigator Neşet Özel, Ph.D., whose lab seeks to understand how the fruit fly brain becomes wired during development. Besong is learning how to use different tools that will enable the prediction of the gene regulatory networks that guide the formation of neuronal circuitry.

“This program is allowing me to work with a wealth of biological datasets and to extract relevant knowledge from these to push forward the research of the Özel Lab and other Stowers Investigators,” said Besong.

Having a background in biology but not in computer science initially made the transition to programming challenging. However, the mentorship and collaboration and rigorous training Besong receives daily is giving him confidence to pursue a career as a computational biologist.

“The Institute provides you with everything you need to succeed,” said Besong. “I’ve learned to push myself to meet the science at the very highest standards.”

Learn more about Besong’s experience by viewing the video above.

Potential scholars with a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, bioinformatics, and related fields, or a biology degree with experience in coding are encouraged to apply and may be eligible for full-time employment at the Institute following successful completion of the program.

Applications opened on October 1, 2024.  Learn more and apply here.