The skills that make Berman Lab excel
Histological analysis
We analyze histological slides from cancer patients to determine which factors increase the diagnostic accuracy and predict cancer behavior. Using a combination of software and guidance from experienced staff, students learn the clues within cells and tissues that enable us to assess each cancer's grade, stage, molecular makeup, and future behavior.
Collaboration
We work in an interdisciplinary environment with staff, students, and outside experts. Students participate in a weekly journal club and lab meeting, and have access to co-working sessions and ongoing meetings on different projects. We foster a sense of teamwork and shared effort.
Data extraction
We examine patient data to create datasets that are used in our research. Using a combination of custom-built technology and small group meetings, we teach students to interpret patient charts and to distill clinical and pathological data into highly accurate research databases. These databases are a primary engine of clinically useful cancer research.
Bioinformatics
Data analysis is crucial to every project in Berman Lab. With the supervision of seasoned data scientists, students will become proficient in coding languages. Through both formal instruction and self-directed learning, students learn how to assess data and perform relevant statistical analyses.
Project Development
Emerging informatics and image analysis technologies are reinventing medical diagnosis, with major ramifications for patient care and policy. We work directly with industry partners to build new visualization and analysis tools. Working with these technologies, our students have direct opportunities to be part of improving cancer outcomes.
Laboratory Techniques
Work with human tissue samples and clinical data will provides students with appropriate skills and sensitivity in dealing with these materials and professionally approaching laboratory practices. Students have opportunities to gain biosafety levels 1 and 2 certifications, receive instruction on research protocols, and complete a research ethics course.