Appointment strengthens cancer and infectious disease research

The Wistar Institute has appointed Simon Chu, PhD, as a Caspar Wistar Fellow in its Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center, strengthening its focus on data-driven cancer and infectious disease research.

Chu specialises in genomics analysis, creating computational tools and applying machine learning to reveal the genetic underpinnings of disease and uncover new opportunities for drug discovery. His work often centres on transposable elements - so-called ‘jumping genes’ - which can rearrange themselves within the genome and influence gene expression in ways that may drive disease.

“Simon brings a powerful dimension to our research,” said Dario Altieri, MD, President and CEO of The Wistar Institute and Director of the Caplan Cancer Center. “By combining advanced algorithms with biological inquiry, he is helping us tackle questions that can only be answered through the integration of deep science and data.”

Chu’s approach blends computer science, engineering, and biology. “I ask biological questions, but solve them through engineering,” he explained. “At Wistar, there’s a vibrant community of computational biologists with complementary expertise, which makes it an exciting place to advance interdisciplinary research.”

Chu earned his PhD in computer science and engineering at the University of Connecticut, following bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from Beijing University of Chemical Technology. He pursued postdoctoral research with Dr Peter J. Park at Harvard Medical School before joining ROME Therapeutics, where he applied data science to clinical drug discovery.

His appointment reflects Wistar’s growing commitment to harnessing computational biology as a cornerstone of future breakthroughs in oncology and infectious disease.

More information online