Śaunak Sen | Research Group

We are working on methods and tools for extracting information from large matrix-valued data (think very large spreadsheets) that are common in modern biology. Examples include technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and high-throughput genetic screens. We are using a number of complementary approaches including bilinear models, penalized regression, multivariate kernel regression, matrix factorization, and gradient-based optimization techniques.

We have developed a number of software packages in the Julia programming language, a new promising language for scientific computing and data science: MatrixLM/MatrixLMnet (penalized matrix linear models), FlxQTL (multivariate linear mixed models for genetic mapping), BulkLMM/LiteQTL (real-time eQTL mapping), and GeneNetworkAPI/MetabolomicsWorkbenchAPI (interface to GeneNetwork and Metabolomics Workbench databases and computational tools).

If you are interested in joining the research group please reach out to me by email.

• Internships: If you are an undergraduate or graduate student (master's, doctoral or medical) you may work with us as an intern. Most interns work over the summer, and it is best to apply directly to the Biomedical Data Science Internship Program for consideration.
• Graduate students (UTHSC/CGHS): I am part of the UTHSC College of Graduate Health Sciences. The most appropriate programs are Epidemiology, Health Outcomes and Policy Research and Biomedical Sciences programs.
• Graduate students (UTK/Bredesen Center): I am also a credentialed faculty member of the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education. The most appropriate programs are Data Science and Engineering (DSE) and Genome Science and Technology (GST).
• Postdoctoral scholars: Generally speaking, we are interested in scholars with strong statistical intuition, data analysis skills, and computer programming experience.

Regardless of the type of research experience you are seeking, I will likely want to ask:

• Why do you want to do research?
• What are your career goals? How will this research experience help you achieve them?
• What would success in this research experience look like to you? What would you like to achieve?
• How many hours per week and at what times/days do you expect to do your research? Are there some accommodations you would like us to make?
• Assuming a good fit, how long do you expect to work in this position?
• What, if any, specific technical or communication skills do you expect to learn as part of the research experience?
• What skills do you expect to bring to our research group?
• What are your expectations from us?

I am Professor and Chief of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, in Memphis, TN. I develop statistical methods for understanding biological systems using genetic variation and high-dimensional data. Current interests include developing statistical approaches for matrix-valued high-throughput data, computational methods for large-scale linear mixed models, and statistical computing using the Julia programming language.

I obtained my BSc (Hons) in Statistics from the University of Calcutta, followed by a MStat from the Indian Statistical Institute. I came to the United States to pursue my graduate studies obtaining a PhD in statistics from the University of Chicago under Augustine Kong. After postdoctoral stints at Stanford University and the Jackson Laboratory, I joined UCSF as an assistant professor in 2002, and joined UTHSC as Chief of Biostatistics in 2015.

Mailing address:
Department of Preventive Medicine
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
645 Doctors Office Building
66 North Pauline Street, Memphis, TN 38163-2181

Phone: +1.901.448.4590
Fax: +1.901.448.7041
Email: sen@uthsc.edu
Twitter: @saunaksen
Orcid: 0000-0003-4519-6361