Cancer Genomics and Computational Oncology PhD Track

Join us at the forefront of cancer research

Study the mechanisms involved in cell cycle control. Investigate genes and pathways that contribute to tumorigenesis. Define new biomarkers for better diagnosis and risk assessment. Identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

When you choose the Cancer Genomics and Computational Oncology (CGCO) PhD track at Roswell Park, you’ll focus on laboratory research and/or bioinformatics, with a thesis project involving independent research at the frontiers of current knowledge. The interdisciplinary nature of this track will prepare students to collaborate effectively with researchers from diverse fields.

We have both a large, friendly faculty and a high faculty-to-student ratio. We’re looking for dedicated students with high drive and curiosity and substantial background in biology, chemistry, statistics, or computer science.

Start your application Meet our team

Track highlights

The Cancer Genomics and Computational Oncology Track emphasizes cutting-edge basic and translational research, conducted using both experimental and computational approaches, performed with outstanding scientific rigor and reproducibility, leading to high quality publication of students’ work.

Students in CGCO track can choose between two concentrations of course work: a Cancer Genetics and Genomics concentration, or a Computational Oncology concentration. Both concentrations will gain some expertise in bioinformatics, but the Computational Oncology concentration students will get further in-depth training in computational biology.

We stress critical evaluation of published data through our journal clubs and acquisition of oral communication skills through seminar courses. You’ll also participate in professional development by attending international conferences and presenting your research.

Research areas

Faculty research interests cover a broad spectrum of cancer genetics and molecular biology, with exceptional strengths in:

Isolation and characterization of cancer genes
Somatic cell genetics
High-throughput genomics and epigenomics
Mouse genetics and mouse models of cancer
Epigenetic and cell cycle regulation in cancer

Oncogenic signaling pathways and metabolic changes in cancer
Computational biology and bioinformatics in cancer research
Biomedical informatics in cancer research
Statistical analysis and machine learning in oncology
Tumor heterogeneity and evolution

First author articles from recent graduates:

Student	Year Graduated	Mentor	First Author Publication
Hayley Affronti	2018	Dr. Smiraglia	PubMed
Charles Manhardt	2018	Dr. Lau	PubMed
Laura Prendergast	2019	Dr. Gurova	PubMed
Sejin Chung	2019	Dr. Knudsen	PubMed
Eric Irons	2019	Dr. Lau	PubMed
Patrick Punch	2020	Dr. Lau	PubMed
Ashley Mussell	2020	Dr. Shang	PubMed
Spencer Rosario	2020	Dr. Smiraglia	PubMed
Renyuan Zhang	2022	Dr. Nastiuk	PubMed
Justine Jacobi	2023	Dr. Smiraglia	PubMed

Additional information about our research can be found on our individual faculty pages.

The educators, mentors and students at Roswell support and push each other to be the best they can be. They work to generate a sense of community that is open, inclusive, and encouraging all while performing some of the most translational research. The small class size and outstanding education you receive at Roswell provides a stimulating learning experience that lays an excellent foundation for your success as a scientist in cancer research. Hayley Affronti, PhD, Class of 2018

Program of study

Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Fall (19 credit hours)

Integrated Cancer Sciences I/II (RPG 501/502) (4 credit hours each = 8 credit hours)
Biostatistics for Cancer Sciences (RPG 519) (4 credit hours)
Responsible Conduct of Research (RPG 504) (1 credit hour)
First-Year Student Journal Club (RPG 601) (2 credit hours)
Independent Study (RPG 514) (8 credit hours)

Spring (19 credit hours)

Integrated Cancer Sciences III (RPG 503) (4 credit hours)
Tools and Models of Molecular Oncology (RPG 543) (4 credit hours)
Graduate Seminar (RPG 521) (2 credit hours)
Research (RPG 606) (9 credit hours)

Fall (19 credit hours)

Regulatory Mechanisms (RPG 525) (4 credit hours)
Basics of Grantsmanship I (RPG 603) (2 credit)
Graduate Seminar (RPG 521) (2 credit hours)
Research (RPG 608) (11 credit hours)

Spring (9 credit hours)

Principles of Computational Oncology (RPG 520) (4 credit hours)
Graduate Seminar (RPG 521) (2 credit hours)
Research (RPG 608) (5 credit hours)

Fall

Research (RPG 608) (1 credit hour)

Spring

Research (RPG 608) (1 credit hour)

Computational Oncology

Fall (19 credit hours)

Integrated Cancer Sciences I/II (RPG 501/502) (4 credit hours each = 8 credit hours)
Biostatistics for Cancer Sciences (RPG 519) (4 credit hours)
Responsible Conduct of Research (RPG 504) (1 credit hour)
First-Year Student Journal Club (RPG 601) (2 credit hours)
Independent Study (RPG 514) (8 credit hours)