Śaunak Sen

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), LiteQTL (real-time eQTL mapping), and GeneNetworkAPI (interface to GeneNetwork database and computational tools).

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

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.