Center for Biomedical Data Science | About

About Us

Center for Biomedical Data Science

The Center for Biomedical Data Science (CBDS) is joint research initiative through the University of Oregon (UO) and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), dedicated to using advanced data science to understand biological systems across all scales.

About Us

The Center for Biomedical Data Science (CBDS) is joint research initiative through the University of Oregon (UO) and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), dedicated to using advanced data science to understand biological systems across all scales. Through integrating world-class expertise across the state of Oregon, CBDS aims to prevent and cure diseases earlier, faster, and better. The center is made possible by $20 million in lead gifts from Tim and Mary Boyle. In 2026 with the opening of Knight Campus Building 2, CBDS will have a permanent and physical home.

 

The Problem

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Diseases like cancer and heart disease often begin when just a few cells go rogue. While researchers can collect huge amounts of data on these cells the struggle is how to use it. Advanced data science tools like machine learning can help this deluge of information into a wave of medical breakthroughs. 

Our Approach

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We’re bringing together scientists across Oregon to integrate biomedical big data with advanced computational tools  to better understand medical images, genetic data, and disease patterns. We are training the next generation of researchers while speeding up the development of better treatments for cancer and other serious diseases. 

 

Our Vision and Principles

We aim to make Oregon a global leader in data-driven biomedical discovery, where collaborative research powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning transforms our understanding of disease and delivers life-saving breakthroughs. Through cutting-edge graduate training programs, we will cultivate the next generation of biomedical data scientists who will drive innovation forward. By supporting entrepreneurship and translating discoveries into real-world solutions, we ensure our research creates tangible impact for patients. Through the united expertise of our institutions and the scientists we train, we strive to create a future where cancer and other deadly diseases are detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately prevented. 

Our Mission

Support collaboration among researchers across Oregon to harness AI and big data for breakthroughs in cancer and other life-threatening diseases, train the next generation of biomedical data scientists and foster entrepreneurial approaches to rapidly translate discoveries into life-saving treatments that benefit society.  

Areas of Emphasis

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Collaboration

In addition to bridging UO and OHSU, CBDS will unite UO’s strengths in basic science, applied research, and high-performance computing—leveraging the Knight Campus and the School of Computer and Data Science to drive large-scale proposals, shared projects, and integrated graduate training.

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Training

CBDS is building a dynamic training environment where faculty in computer science, applied math, and genomics mentor students on real-world challenges. With UO and OHSU faculty serving as Fellows, and a new home in Knight Campus Building 2 opening in 2026, CBDS will train the next generation of biomedical data scientists using advanced computing and machine learning tools.

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Innovation

CBDS incorporates the Knight Campus’s innovation focus by advancing new methods for collecting large-scale biomedical data and developing cutting-edge computational, statistical, and data science approaches to analyze it. Strong industry partnerships will help translate these breakthroughs into real-world health solutions. 

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Impact

CBDS partners with industry, clinicians, and researchers across Oregon to turn big biomedical data into real-world health solutions. These collaborations support the development of personalized care and interventions that improve patient outcomes.

 

Our Team

CBDS integrates world class expertise at across UO and OHSU. Please see OHSU’s page for their affiliated faculty. 

Directors and Leadership

Bill Cresko

Bill Cresko
Lorry Lokey Chair
Professor of Bioengineering
UO-Director, Center for Biomedical Data Science

wcresko@uoregon.edu
The Cresko Lab
 

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Xubo Song
Professor of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Scientific Co-Director, Center for Biomedical Data Science

 

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Emek Demir
Associate Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Scientific Co-Director, Center for Biomedical Data Science
 

UO Affiliated Faculty

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Rori Rohlfs
Hildegard Lamfrom Professorship
Associate Professor of Data Science  
rori@uoregon.edu
The Rohlfs Lab

jake searcy

Jake Searcy
Assistant Professor of Data Science
Data Science, Institute for Fundamental Science
jsearcy@uoregon.edu
Lab

Danielle Benoit

Danielle Benoit
Lorry Lokey Chair of the Department of Bioengineering
dbenoit@uoregon.edu
The Benoit Lab

Knight Campus Executive Director Robert Guldberg

Bob Guldberg
Vice President and Robert and Leona DeArmond Executive Director
guldberg@uoregon.edu
The Guldberg Lab

Nick Willett

Nick Willett 
Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering
nwillett@uoregon.edu
The Willett Lab

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Marian Hettiaratchi
Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering
mhettiar@uoregon.edu
The Hettiaratchi Lab

Parisa Hosseinzadeh

Parisa Hosseinzadeh
Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering
parisah@uoregon.edu
The PH Lab

Gabriella Lindberg

Gabriella Lindberg
Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering
lindberg@uoregon.edu
The Lindberg Lab

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James Murray 
Assistant Professor, Departments of Biology and Mathematics
jmurray9@uoregon.edu
The Murray Lab

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Thanh Nguyen
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science
thanhhng@cs.uoregon.edu
The Thanh H. Nguyen lab

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Thien Nguyen
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science
thienn@uoregon.edu
The Thien Huu Nguyen Lab

calin plesa

Calin Plesa
Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering
calin@uoregon.edu
The Plesa Lab

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Mike Harms
Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry
harms@uoregon.edu
The Harms Lab

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Peter Ralph
Department Head and Associate Professor, Department of Data Science 
plr@uoregon.edu
The Ralph Lab

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Andrew Kern
Evergreen Professor, Department of Biology 
adkern@uoregon.edu
The Kern Lab


 

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