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.

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)
Spring (19 credit hours)
  • Integrated Cancer Sciences III (RPG 503) (4 credit hours)
  • Tools and Models of Molecular Oncology (RPG 543) (4 credit hours)
  • Principles of Computational Oncology (RPG 520) (4 credit hours)
  • Graduate Seminar (RPG 521) (2 credit hours)
  • Research (RPG 606) (5 credit hours)
Fall (19 credit hours)
  • Regulatory Mechanisms (RPG 525) (4 credit hours)
  • Statistical Data Mining I (STA 545) (3 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)
  • Graduate Seminar (RPG 521) (2 credit hours)
  • Elective, such as Statistical Data Mining II (3)
  • Research (RPG 608) (4 credit hours)
Fall
  • Research (RPG 608) (1 credit hour)
Spring
  • Research (RPG 608) (1 credit hour)