Curriculum Vitae
I’m a data scientist and molecular biologist and with extensive experience in genomics, bioinformatics, scientific support and large-scale data analysis. I develop machine learning models, integrate datasets, and translate complex findings into actionable insights. Strong background in human genetics, statistical genomics, and cross-functional collaboration with a demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end analytics projects, manage databases, and develop reproducible analytics workflows.
Professional Experience
Data Scientist - Bioinformatics July 2022 - Sep 2024
Led bioinformatics and data science initiatives for organizational data team, developing machine learning models and analytics workflows for large- scale datasets. Collaborated with cross-functional leadership to translate complex requirements into data-driven solutions and strategic initiatives.
Senior Scientist II - Scientific Support Mar 2019 - July 2022
Provided expert scientific support to global research community, resolving over 5,000 technical inquiries from academic and industry scientists. Identified workflow bottlenecks and delivered data-driven solutions to accelerate biomedical research progress. Led cross-functional initiatives to optimize organizational processes and enhance material sharing capabilities and developed high-throughput genomics screening protocols.
Skills
Genomics & Bioinformatics: NGS analytics, genetics, comparative genomics
Statistical & Machine Learning: Advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, biostatistics, experimental design, predictive modeling, feature engineering
Programming & Tools: R, Python, SQL, MLFlow, Git, Quarto, Shiny, cloud computing (GCP/AWS), database management, pipeline development
Data Management: Large-scale biological database stewardship, data integrity assessment, exploratory data analysis, reproducible workflows, data visualization
Leadership & Collaboration: Cross-functional team leadership, technical communication, project management, stakeholder engagement, mentorship
Research Experience
University of Pennsylvania
Research Associate 2017 - 2019
Researched role of RNA modification on nuclear pre-mRNA processing. Developed mouse strains and embryonic stem cell lines to investigate the functions of YTH protein family members, Ythdc1 and Ythdc2
Biomedical Postdoctoral Program 2012 - 2017
Postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Jeremy Wang’s laboratory conducting molecular genetics research in reproductive biology. Investigated chromatin- associated proteins in mammalian germ line development using genomics and proteomics approaches. Designed and engineered gene knockout mouse models and characterized stem cell gene Utf1 functions in development.
University of Connecticut
Genetics & Genomics Program 2006-2012
Doctoral research conducted with Dr. Michael J. O’Neill Investigated the genomic imprinting mechanism of Xlr3b/4b/4c, an X- linked locus with parent-specific gene expression. Examined the evolution of the genomic structure and protein coding genes at the locus.
Education
University of Connecticut
Doctor of Philosophy 2012
- Genetics & Genomics, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
- “Parent-specific Gene Expression on the Mammalian X Chromosome”
Union College
Bachelor of Science 2004
- B.S. Biology
- Thesis: “Comparative Review of Treatment Modalities for Acoustic Neuroma”
Publications
Pyhtila B, Kasowitz S, Leeson R, Barrangou R. The Expanding Dissemination and Distribution Patterns of Diverse CRISPR Plasmids by Addgene. CRISPR J. 2023 Dec;6(6):493-501. Epub 2023 Nov 22.
Liu R, Kasowitz SD, Homolka D, Leu NA, Shaked JT, Ruthel G, Jain D, Lin H, Keeney S, Luo M, Pillai RS, Wang PJ. YTHDC2 is essential for pachytene progression and prevents aberrant microtubule-driven telomere clustering in male meiosis. Cell Rep. 2021 Dec 14;37(11):110110.
Kasowitz S.D., Ma J., Anderson S.J., Leu N.A., Xu Y., Gregory B.D., Schultz R.M., Wang P.J. (2018) Nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1 regulates alternative polyadenylation and splicing during mouse oocyte development. PLoS Genetics 14(5), e1007412.
Kasowitz S.D. and Wang P.J. “Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked Genes in Spermatogenesis.” Encyclopedia of Reproduction, Volume 3. ELSEVIER, 2018
Shi B., Xue J., Zhou J., Kasowitz S.D., Zhang Y., Liang G., Guan Y., Shi Q., Liu M., Sha J., Huang X., Wang P.J. (2018) MORC2B is essential for meiotic progression and fertility. PLoS Genetics 14, e1007175. Kasowitz S.D., Luo M., Ma J., Leu N.A., Wang P.J. (2017) Embryonic lethality and defective male germ cell development in mice lacking UTF1. Sci Reports 7, 17259.
Jue N.K., Murphy M.B., Kasowitz S.D., Qureshi S.M., Obergfell C.J., Elsisi S., Foley R.J., O Neill R.J., O Neill M.J. (2013). Determination of dosage compensation of the mammalian X chromosome by RNA-seq is dependent on analytical approach. BMC Genomics 14, 150.
Professional Development
Teaching Experience: University of Connecticut instructor of record for “Laboratory Techniques in Functional Genomics” and “Experiments in DNA Identification” (2007-2010)
Mentorship: Biology mentor for computer science and engineering co-ops at Addgene (2022-2024); American Society of Andrology Undergraduate Research Internships mentor (2013, 2015)
Professional Affiliations: Society for the Study of Reproduction, American Society of Andrology
Journal Reviewer: Biology of Reproduction, PLoS Genetics, Journal of Cellular Physiology