Master’s program helps launch data science careers at St. Jude

Doing scientific research means generating vast amounts of data, which can only be truly unlocked by a certain type of scientist. These data scientists are trained to analyze complex datasets, extract meaningful insights and turn that knowledge into discoveries. St. Jude is helping train the next generation of these innovators through the Applied Biomedical Data Sciences Master’s program, which is now recruiting its second cohort to join the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

“We’re going through a revolution right now in biomedical data,” explained Associate Dean Stan Pounds, PhD, Department of Biostatistics. “We’re getting more data than ever before, at a faster rate than ever before. That allows us to understand human health and disease at a much deeper level than anyone ever has. I hope our students become a big part of that.”

The program’s approach goes beyond traditional data science by focusing on computational and statistical methods used to answer real-world biomedical questions. While conventional data science often emphasizes developing algorithms, analyzing abstract datasets and proving theoretical methods, applied biomedical data science integrates those skills with domain-specific knowledge — in this case, biology and medicine. This means students not only learn to analyze complex datasets but also apply their insights to advance biomedical research, create computational tools and develop resources directly related to human health.

A curriculum designed for student success

The program has a unique curriculum structure designed to maximize engagement and impact. The first year of the program consists of taking classes. Students take one course at a time in an accelerated format. There are 13 courses, ranging from scientific communication to machine learning, each between one and three weeks long, allowing full focus without juggling multiple deadlines.

The program’s courses are team-taught, letting students learn from a variety of St. Jude faculty members. Working alongside these faculty, instructional designer Leonia Houston, MBA, MS, St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, helps each course team thoughtfully structure content, assessments and online materials to ensure every course is engaging, cohesive and centered on student learning. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of key concepts while exposing students to multiple teaching styles and perspectives, resulting in a broader understanding of the material.

“The classes have been beneficial because each one has offered insight into different areas of science, such as immunology, infectious diseases and cellular biology,” said Applied Biomedical Data Science MS program student Jewel Wilson. “I have really enjoyed it because it has helped me figure out which research area I want to focus on in my second year.”

In the second year, students apply their skills in a practicum, working on real St. Jude biomedical research projects that result in computational products, such as software tools or curated datasets, that the broader scientific community can use. Each student is mentored by a St. Jude data science faculty advisor and guided by a committee that includes a biologist or clinician, ensuring their work is both technically rigorous and biologically relevant. This prepares students to contribute meaningfully to biomedical research and equips them for impactful careers in data science.

“In our program, students dedicate their first year entirely to coursework and their second year entirely to the practicum,” said Pounds. “This structure allows them to fully focus on learning before applying their skills, which makes them far more productive during their practicum.”

All students receive full tuition waivers from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and fellowships from the Office of Data Science, so they can concentrate on their studies without financial burden.

A program for scientists of all backgrounds

Because the program is rooted in both data science and biomedical sciences, you do not need to have experience in both to succeed. Whether students come from traditional lab research or bring strong computational expertise, there is a place for them in the Applied Biomedical Data Sciences MS Program. Prior knowledge in data science is not required; the program builds skills from the ground up, giving every student the tools they need to thrive.

“My previous experience was mostly at the bench, while others in my cohort have strong computational backgrounds,” explained Wilson. “This program brings everyone together.”  

Students benefit from mentorship and support from top-tier experts. “The ratio of faculty to students is around 14 to 1,” noted Assistant Dean Debra Ragland, PhD, Applied Biomedical Data Sciences MS Program. “When you count the extracurricular mentors, academic practicum advisors and instructional staff, it reaches into the hundreds, and this is just our first year.” 

“At many other institutions, it’s up to you to figure things out and seek help and resources on your own,” explained Wilson. “At St. Jude, it’s different. The professors genuinely want you to succeed, and they’ll often reach out to make sure you understand the material and the bigger concepts behind it.” 

“It’s been so exciting to see this program come to life. The faculty have been incredible to work with. They truly care about the students’ success and are dedicated to making sure they have a great experience in the program,” said program specialist Rachel McCollough, MS, Applied Biomedical Data Sciences MS Program.  

That sense of community extends among the students themselves. “Seeing our first cohort jump into a brand-new program and really thrive has been amazing. They’ve become such a close-knit group,” said McCollough.  

“They travel together, study together and work side by side in class. If someone starts to fall behind, their peers are quick to step in and help them catch up,” added Ragland.  

Join the biomedical data science team 

The program equips students to turn complex biomedical data into actionable knowledge that can improve human health. “There’s a challenge in the volume and complexity of the data, and our goal is to train them to convert that data into knowledge and, ultimately, better human well-being,” says Pounds. 

As the program prepares for its second cohort, the team hopes to make it even better. “We plan to remain a small program because we value individualized attention and a high-quality educational and mentorship experience,” said Pounds. “We don’t want to grow beyond what our faculty can genuinely support.”   

As the December 1 deadline for admission applications nears, applicants have the chance to join the forefront of biomedical data science and gain skills that are essential across all biomedical domains. 

Contact the program administrators at MSABDS@stjude.org.