Data Analytics in Multi-Omics Science

Fabia U. Battistuzzi, Ph.D. (PI)

• Bio - Dr. Fabia U. Battistuzzi is an astrobiologist and evolutionary biologist with expertise in computational genomics of microbial species, reconstruction of early evolutionary histories, genome complexity of pathogens, and functional genomics for bioremediation. Her research group primarily focuses on microbial evolution to explore the origins of life, the evolution of pathogenesis, and strategies influencing genome complexity.In addition to her research, Dr. Battistuzzi actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students and frequently collaborates with high school students. She serves as an Associate Professor in Biological Sciences and as an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University. She is also a founding member of the Institute of Data Science at Oakland University and the principal investigator of a $2M NSF Graduate Traineeship Research award aimed at training graduate students to become both scientists and entrepreneurs. Her research has received funding from organizations such as NASA, the NIH, and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium.
• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Lead data analytics curriculum.
• Expertise: Statistical analyses of big data, multivariate biomedical, and financial data.
• Affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Vijayan Sugumaran, Ph.D. (Co-PI)

• Bio - Vijayan Sugumaran is a Distinguished University Professor and Janke Scholar of Management Information Systems at Oakland University, Michigan, where he chairs the Department of Decision and Information Sciences and co-directs the Institute for Data Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology from George Mason University and specializes in Big Data Analytics, Ontologies, Semantic Web, and Multi-Agent Systems. Dr. Sugumaran has co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, edited 20 books, and serves on the editorial boards of eight journals, including as editor-in-chief for International Journal of Intelligent Information Technologies and Journal of Web Engineering. He has published in top-tier journals like Information Systems Research and IEEE Transactions on Big Data and is Co-PI on a $2 million NSF grant for STEM-driven data science training. Dr. Sugumaran has chaired major conferences such as NLDB, AMCIS, and ACIS and serves regularly on international program committees.
• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Lead business and management curriculum and training activities.
• Expertise: Data mining and deep learning methods.
• Affiliation: School of Business Administration, Decision and Information Sciences

Ravindra Khattree, Ph.D. (Co-PI)

• Bio - Ravindra Khattree is a Distinguished University Professor of Applied Statistics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Oakland University, Michigan, and a founding co-director of the Center for Data Science and Big Data Analytics. Internationally recognized for his work in statistical inference, multivariate analysis, biostatistics, and industrial statistics, he has authored over 125 research papers and co-authored two books with D.N. Naik, published by SAS Press/Wiley. He is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, an elected member of the International Statistical Institute, and a recipient of the Young Statistician Award from the International Indian Statistical Association. Dr. Khattree has also received Oakland University's Research Excellence Award and has delivered numerous international lectures and training programs, including as a Fulbright expert.
• Project Role: NRT Student Mentor; Lead Data Analytics Curriculum
• Expertise: Statistical Analyses of Big Data, Multivariate Biomedical and Financial Data
• Affiliation: Oakland University, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Randy Westrick, Ph.D. (Co-PI)

• Bio - Dr. Randal J. Westrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Oakland University, Michigan. He is internationally recognized for his research in the genetics of thrombosis, hemostasis, and cardiovascular disease, with his work cited over 4,000 times. Dr. Westrick earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, focusing on the pathophysiology and genetics of thrombosis and hemostasis. Since joining Oakland University in 2013, he has secured funding from the American Heart Association, National Science Foundation, and National Institutes of Health to support his research and training programs. His laboratory employs genome-wide mutagenesis approaches in mice to identify genetic variants that influence blood clotting disorders, aiming to uncover innovative therapeutic targets for reducing thrombosis risk. Dr. Westrick is a Fellow of the American Heart Association and has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and presentations.
• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Lead experimental genomics and transcriptomics efforts.
• Expertise: Experimental genomics and transcriptomics in eukaryotic healthy and diseased phenotypes.
• Affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences.

Valance Washington, Ph.D.

• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Supervise training in experimental transcriptomics and proteomics efforts.
• Expertise: Experimental transcriptomics and proteomics in eukaryotic healthy and diseased phenotypes.
• Affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences.

Taras Oleksyk, Ph.D.

• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Supervise training in human genomics.
• Expertise: Computational genomics of eukaryotes.
• Affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences.

Jae Hyeung Kang, Ph.D.

• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Coordinate entrepreneurship experiences.
• Expertise: Entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and leadership.
• Affiliation: School of Business Administration, Management and Marketing.

Ahmad Sobhani, Ph.D.

• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Coordinate training in project management.
• Expertise: Data mining, management science, and project management.
• Affiliation: School of Business Administration, Decision and Information Systems.

Jun Hu, Ph.D.

• Project Role: NRT student mentor; Supervise integration of data analytics with STEM fields.
• Expertise: Applications of statistical inference in STEM fields.
• Affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Meghan Eckert-Lyster, Ph.D.

• Project Role: Evaluate implementation of the NRT program; Design tools and collect evaluation data.
• Expertise: Program evaluation, advising, and research dissemination.
• Affiliation: Director of Research, Evaluation, and Dissemination Department, KU.

Stephanie Peach

Stephanie Peach earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Oakland University in 2021. Following graduation, she worked at a nonprofit health clinic, where she developed a strong interest in data analysis. To build her skills, she pursued evening courses in mathematics and programming before enrolling to OU again to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Statistics. She has a particular interest in biostatistics. Stephanie is enthusiastic about being a part of the DAMOS program, as it allows her to integrate her passion for biology and business with her statistical expertise. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys bowling and pickleball. She aspires to build a career as a Data Scientist in the future.

Adrianna Jurek

Adrianna Jurek is a 4th-year Ph.D. candidate at Oakland University, conducting research in Dr. Randal Westrick’s thrombosis and hemostasis lab. Her work focuses on the genetic regulation of PAI-1, a critical protein in the coagulation cascade, with a specific emphasis on platelet PAI-1 and its variability across inbred mouse strains. Adrianna’s research explores the potential for cell-type-specific treatments for clotting disorders, paving the way for innovative standards of care. A recipient of the UM-KUHR predoctoral fellowship, she is also a member of the NRT-funded DAMOS program. Adrianna has presented her findings at conferences such as the Midwest Platelet Conference, Sigma Xi IFORE, and IMGS. Outside of her research, she enjoys line dancing, crocheting, and spending time with her dog and two bunnies.

Hailey Naugle

Hailey Naugle is a Master's student in Applied Statistics at Oakland University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Hailey's current program allows her to merge her interests in biology and statistics while also gaining valuable knowledge in business. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, reading, and listening to podcasts. After graduation, Hailey plans to work in operations research.

Lexi Radjewski

Lexi earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics from Oakland University, where she also minored in Mathematics, Biology, and Dance. She is currently continuing her education at OU, pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Statistics. Lexi has a strong passion for applying statistical methods to the medical field and aspires to build a career as a biostatistician. In addition to her studies, Lexi works as a dance teacher and enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family in her free time.

Kenneth DeMonn

Kenneth DeMonn holds Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Microbiology, as well as a Master’s degree in Computer Science. He is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Biology in conjunction with the NRT grant. Kenneth's professional experience spans both computer science and biology. On the technology side, he has worked in IT repair and network installation for businesses and schools, served as a hospital IT specialist, and taught various computer courses at Baker College. In the field of biology, he has worked as an environmental chemist, a molecular biology research assistant, and a clinical microbiologist for several years.

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be enrolled in or have applied to a relevant graduate or advanced undergraduate degree program in STEM or business fields at Oakland University (or other accredited institutions).
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant research or project experience.
• Exhibit excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Show a commitment to interdisciplinary research integrating data analytics and omics science.
• Possess a keen interest in solving real-world challenges and contributing to transformative research.

Current and prospective graduate students at Oakland University with an interest in interdisciplinary data science are encouraged to apply. Prospective students interested in DAMOS must first apply through Oakland University's Graduate School. Students in the following programs are eligible to apply to the DAMOS program: Biology MS/PhD, Mathematics and Statistics MS/PhD, Master of Business Administration, Business Analytics MS, Information Technology Management MS. Students in other programs who are interested in DAMOS are welcome to contact us to discuss possible options. Students interested in DAMOS are encouraged to mention their interest in their statement of purpose.

1. Unofficial Transcripts: Please upload all relevant professional transcripts or documents.
2. Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page essay explaining your research interests, career goals, and how the DAMOS program aligns with your aspirations.
3. Resume/CV: Highlight your academic background, skills, and relevant research or professional experience.

DAMOS application materials should be submitted via email to damosnrt@oakland.edu as a single PDF by the deadlines of the Oakland University graduate program chosen

Participants in the DAMOS program will engage in:

• Core Coursework in data analytics, computational genomics, experimental genomics, and business management.
• Research Projects exploring omics science, data analytics, and biological experimentation.
• Internships and Experiential Learning with industry projects to gain hands-on experience.
• Workshops and Training in topics like grantsmanship, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
• Thesis or Capstone Project integrating scientific research and data analytics.
• Mentorship through guidance from experienced faculty and collaboration with peers.

General Graduate School Deadlines

For most programs at Oakland University, the following application deadlines apply:

• Fall Semester: July 15
• Winter Semester: November 15
• Summer Semester: March 1

Program-Specific Deadlines

Some programs may have different application deadlines. Here are a few key examples:

Biology

• Master’s (MS):
• March 1 for Fall/Summer semesters
• September 1 for Winter semester
• Doctoral (PhD):
• January 15 for Fall semester

Business Administration

• Fall Semester: July 15
• Winter Semester: November 15
• Summer Semester: March 1