Bioinformatics and Genomics hero

Bioinformatics and Genomics

Find and interpret patterns in large and complex biological data

The application deadline is updated annually, please see the “Apply Now” page for current information

Program Overview

  • Provides students with educational and research training in broad areas of computational, evolutionary, and functional genomics
  • Offers optional specialization in algorithms and computation and statistical genomics
  • Delivers problem-based instruction, starting with exposure to bioinformatics and genomics tools and moving on to in-depth analysis of genomic and proteomic data
  • Positions students to be competitive for NIH-funded training fellowships in the “Computation, Bioinformatics, and Statistics”, “Biomedical Big Data to Knowledge”, or “Eukaryotic Gene Regulation” programs
  • Offers both M.S. and Ph.D. programs, including laboratory rotations
  • The Penn State Bioinformatics & Genomics program does not accept or consider GRE scores as part of our admission decision process. We employ a holistic review based on several criteria including academic performance, research experience, participation in scientific and professional development activities, and accomplishments outside of academia, among others

Opportunities for Underrepresented Minorities and Students with Disability

The bioinformatics and genomics program actively recruits students of diversity and disability. Senior undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience may consider attending the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) and J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Open House. Accommodations are available for students with disabilities. Students are considered for predoctoral trainee fellowship support.

Computation, Bioinformatics, and Statistics (CBIOS) Training Program

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation (EGR) Training Program

News

Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s

Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.

Top student teams awarded funding to move to next phase of Nittany AI Challenge

Fifteen student teams have been awarded a total of $4,500 in the "Prototype Phase" of the Nittany AI Challenge. Each team proposed an artificial intelligence (AI) solution to help make the world a better place.

Penn State students take top honors in video challenge on the value of research

A team of students working in Andrew Patterson's lab used their experience in research and storytelling to advocate for federally funded research and take top prizes in the Science Coalition’s 2025 Alyse Gray Parker Memorial Student Video Challenge

News

Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s

Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.

Top student teams awarded funding to move to next phase of Nittany AI Challenge

Fifteen student teams have been awarded a total of $4,500 in the "Prototype Phase" of the Nittany AI Challenge. Each team proposed an artificial intelligence (AI) solution to help make the world a better place.

Penn State students take top honors in video challenge on the value of research

A team of students working in Andrew Patterson's lab used their experience in research and storytelling to advocate for federally funded research and take top prizes in the Science Coalition’s 2025 Alyse Gray Parker Memorial Student Video Challenge

Investigating the microbiome’s role in intestinal disorder in pregnancy

Jessica Grembi, an assistant professor of pharmacology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to investigate the role of the microbiome in environmental enteropathy — a condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine that affects nutrient absorption.