Sihao Huang, PhD, graduated in Spring 2024 from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics program and received the Program Award for Outstanding Performance in the Field. His dissertation, Investigation of Messenger RNA Modifications in Nanopore Sequencing Data by Machine Learning Methods, completed under the mentorship of Dr. Tao Pan, combined cutting-edge machine learning techniques with third-generation sequencing to detect and interpret RNA modifications directly from nanopore sequencing data.
Originally from China, Sihao brought a strong background in bioinformatics to his doctoral studies at the University of Chicago. His innovative approach has helped address key challenges in the growing field of epitranscriptomics, contributing novel computational tools that improve our ability to study RNA regulation and function.
Outside of his research, Sihao has been an active member of the BMB community, mentoring peers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. He plans to continue pursuing research at the interface of RNA biology, structural genomics, and data science.