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.
View our PhD Student Profiles here.
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 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.
Student Spotlight
Explore student achievements, experiences, leadership, and success stories from across the department.
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
Provides biostatistical and epidemiologic support to improve the quality of health-related research conducted at the George Washington University and by affiliated research groups.
2026 GWSPH Research Day
“Research Day is a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and discovery at GWSPH. It shines a spotlight on the incredible work of our students and mentors, builds connections across disciplines, and inspires the leadership needed to shape a healthier, more equitable future. Together, we celebrate curiosity and the power of research to improve lives everywhere.”
— Kelly Gebo, MD, MPH
Michael and Lori Milken Dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health
The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics proudly recognizes the students and researchers honored at the 2026 GWSPH Research Day. These award-winning projects reflect excellence in public health research, computational innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Department Winners
| Winner | Award Category | Research Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Bastin | Lab Based Research Category | The Role of Nef-containing Extracellular Vesicles in the Induction of Neuroglial Trained Immunity |
| Bereket Admasu | The Southby Research Prize — Master’s Research | The Missing Piece in the Global Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Lessons from Superbugs at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia |
| Sasha Winnett | The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Prize (Undergraduate Research) | Cuban Travel Cases Drive Local Dengue Virus Serotype 3 Transmission in Florida: Phylogenetic and Genome Conservation Analyses of Recent Outbreaks |
| Nicole Wen | The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Prize (Master’s Research) | Assessing Differences in Physician Assistant Program Admissions: Observing the Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Likelihood of Acceptance |
| Yajie Li | The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Prize (Master’s Research) | Development of piRNA-Based Models for Detecting Acute Cellular and Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Heart Transplantation |
| Kexin Fu | The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Prize (Doctoral Research) | Functional Regression-Based Multiple Imputation for Mixed Missing Scalar and Functional Data |
| Matthew Mollerus | The Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Prize (Doctoral Research) | Covariate Shift Robust Uncertainty Metrics for Cell Type Annotation |
| Gabriela Lesiv | Health, Education & Community Outcomes Prize | Reduced Health-Related School Absenteeism with a School Health Officer Training Program in Kenya |
Department News
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Rises to No. 11 in National Rankings
U.S. News and World Report ranks top schools of public health
April 8, 2026
The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health Rises to No. 11 in National Rankings
New Bethesda Office Opens as Biostatistics Center Honors Professor Emeritus John Lachin
January 9, 2026
In December, the Biostatistics Center held a ribbon-cutting for its new Bethesda office and named a conference room in honor of Professor Emeritus John Lachin.
30 Years of Impact: The Diabetes Prevention Program
Thirtieth anniversary of DPP celebrated with special issue of Diabetes Care and launch of DPP stories archive
December 10, 2025
Diabetes Care published a special issue marking the 30th anniversary of the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study.
