David Chen (remote)
Graduate Student(2023-)
University of Toronto '26

Background: I am currently a graduate student at the University of Toronto. I have had experience in several labs focused on mutational signatures in cancer and alignment-free sequence analysis with applications into machine learning. Coming from a medical science background, I became fascinated with the complementary world of bioinformatics that can quantify and characterize the wealth of biological data available today. Throughout college, I’ve developed the computational skills relevant to bioinformatics through coursework, research experience, and independent projects. I aspire to work towards a career as a physician scientist with a focus on oncology.
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Research Interests/Projects: I will be assisting Nilay and other researchers in the lab develop a computational pipeline for CRISPR-Cas 9 genetic screens to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer. I will also be working to validate a novel reporter system in experimental cell lines. I am excited to begin developing the bioinformatics tools needed in a fast-paced lab environment to derive meaningful scientific outcomes and clinical solutions in the Sethi lab. 

Fun Facts and Interests: As an avid long-distance runner, I have completed the full Toronto Waterfront Marathon and plan to complete a second full marathon in 2022. I’ve become fond of Dr. Eric Topol’s series on the future of medicine in an increasingly digital age, and in my spare time I try to read topical books about this fascinating field. During the school year, I help lead CAISA Fashion Show to fundraise towards bioinformatics causes at Children’s Health Foundation and serve as a Board Member of Craigwood Youth Services, a youth mental health centre. 

Contact: dchen362@uwo.ca