Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Using science and statistics to improve public health.
Computer science. Mathematics. Physics. Biology. Biostatistics and bioinformatics combine all of those disciplines to help solve some of the most pressing public health problems facing the world today. Together, biostatistics and bioinformatics make up the emerging and increasingly relevant field of biomedical data sciences and provide exciting opportunities for the next generation of public health professionals.
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
DBB offers a range of programs including a PhD, MPH, MS, BS and an undergraduate minor.
Whether you are interested in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics or Health Data Science your master’s or undergraduate level experience will be enhanced by the proximity to agencies and organizations on the frontline of public health here in Washington, DC. And if you're interested in earning a doctorate, the PhD in Health Data Science is perfect for you.
In addition, The Expanding the Pipeline to Graduate Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (EPGRAD) Program is an 8-week summer education and research training opportunity that encourages undergraduates from underrepresented communities to pursue graduate studies and careers in this important research field.
Meet Our Department Chair
Scott Evans, Ph.D., M.S.
Department Chair and Professor
“Over the decades, the GW Biostatistics Center has conducted groundbreaking research that address many critical issues in public health and medicine. As a national leader in the field, our faculty, staff and students are improving health outcomes and the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.”
Student Resources
Job Opportunities
Explore unique job and volunteer roles in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics disciplines from on-campus, teaching assistantship roles, to industry opportunities in research, policy, and beyond.
Academic Resources
View Spring 2025 course registration information and other academic resources.
Current Students
View graduate student profiles from our Programs in Health Data Science and Master of Public Health.
Alumni
Stay updated on recent activities and experiences of our distinguished DBB alumni.
MPH in Biostatistics Practice Experience
Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.
Explore DBB
Biostatistics Center
Provides leadership and expertise in the execution of clinical trials, observational studies, and diagnostic studies across varied areas of expertise.
Computational Biology Institute
Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.
Biostatistics & Epidemiology Consulting Service
Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.
Student Spotlight
Winston Griffith – Summer 2025 Service Abroad in Rwanda
This summer Winston Griffith, a current MPH in Biostatistics graduate student, will be traveling overseas to Africa to partner with an organization called Rwanda Children. Rwanda Children is a community that provides daily shelter, food, education, medical care, and hope to at-risk Rwandan children. Winston is currently a preschool teacher in Washington, DC and is excited to serve in Rwanda Children's classrooms and with their children and youth ministries. Winston will also be working alongside their amazing medical clinic and health center where Rwanda Children has brought medical care to over 3,000 children and in the last year alone has seen over 15,000 patients who otherwise would not be able to seek out medical attention on their own. They have also partnered with the Rwandan government to bring in malnourished newborns and mothers to receive care and nourishment. With these amazing programs, Winston will be working alongside them assisting with systematic, organizational, and analytical needs. There are many needs to be met in Rwanda, and Winston will have the potential to help identify new ways in providing more targeted care to a larger population through the use of data analysis. Through his education at GWSPH with a concentration in biostatistics, Winston has learned how to compassionately implement data analysis and statistical methods towards creating a safer and healthier community, not only in DC, but globally.
If you are able to support Winston financially for his service abroad with Rwanda children, it would be greatly appreciated!
https://gofund.me/f313b944
New In DBB
Congratulations to Prof Keith Crandall
Congratulations to Professor Keith Crandall for being named a 2024 Highly Ranked Scholar by ScholarGPS for his prolific publication record, the high impact of his work, and the outstanding quality of his scholarly contributions. This places him in the top 0.05% of all scholars worldwide.
In addition to his professorship, Dr. Crandall is the Director of Computational Biology Institute and the Director of Genomics Core. Read his full bio here. You can view Prof. Crandall’s ScholarGPS profile here: Keith A. Crandall – ScholarGPS Profile.
DBB Research Day Winners
The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics proudly recognizes this year’s Research Day winners. Their work spans machine learning, Bayesian modeling, RNA-seq analysis, and public health innovation—demonstrating excellence in data-driven science and interdisciplinary research. Click the link above to explore the award-winning projects and the researchers behind these outstanding achievements.
Department News
Long-term Benefits of Lifestyle and Metformin Interventions in Reducing Type 2 Diabetes over 21 Years in the US Diabetes Prevention Program Study
April 29, 2025
The U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program, or DPP, reported on April 28 the 21-year follow-up of this randomized clinical trial showing that the original intensive lifestyle intervention reduced the development of diabetes by 24% and metformin reduced diabetes development by 17%.
GW's Inaugural Open Source Conference
April 11, 2025
GW’s Open Source Program hosted its inaugural Open Source Conference with Keith Crandall, professor in DBB, as the keynote speaker as highlighted in the GW Today.
The Public Health Scholars Program Announces New Incoming Cohort
December 12, 2024
The Public Health Scholars Program (PHSP) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) is delighted to announce a new incoming cohort of PHSP Scholars.