INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Preparing the Next Generation of Bioinformatics Leaders
By Jacquelyn Faulkner, MPH, senior specialist, Infectious Diseases
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of connecting with peers and attending leadership training tailored for bioinformaticians.
Bioinformatics leaders take a break during an in-person session at APHL HQ.
Over the past decade, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics have become integral to public health laboratories. Increased funding for sequencing activities has allowed laboratories to build infrastructure and welcome bioinformaticians to their team. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of bioinformaticians entering the public health workforce and gaps in existing training opportunities, APHL launched the Bioinformatics Leadership Program( BLP). former APHL-CDC Bioinformatics Fellow, now lead scientist at Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services and faculty member for the BLP.“ I have always said that public health scientists are some of the brightest and most mission-driven people I have ever had the fortune to work with and now, having been a part of the BLP and getting to help these bioinformaticians mature into thoughtful leaders, I realize how incredibly valuable this program is.”
“ I initially applied to the program hoping to meet other bioinformaticians in a similar position to myself but was surprised to learn how different everyone’ s role can be in their laboratory,” said Ellen Yoon, a bioinformatician at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.“ Having the opportunity to share experiences with others in similar positions and talk through different scenarios we have encountered was invaluable. Our in-person meeting helped show multiple perspectives on issues and how different laboratories have overcome challenges, which I was very excited to be able to bring back to my team.”
As this year’ s BLP continues, their experiences will help shape and refine the program for future cohorts. g
This year-long program, designed for early- to mid-career public health bioinformaticians, provides training on foundational leadership skills and navigating the unique challenges of bioinformatics in a public health context. It includes a mix of in-person and virtual training sessions, along with a collaborative cohort project that allows participants to apply their skills in a real-world setting. Beyond training, the program also serves to build a community of bioinformaticians across different regions and states, offering opportunities for collaboration and networking.
“ This program offers a way for [ bioinformaticians ] to work together to really learn valuable soft skills and move into leadership roles within their own laboratories,” said Logan Fink, a
Off to a Strong Start
The first BLP cohort launched in June 2025, welcoming 16 bioinformaticians from across the country. Despite the variety of different professional and academic backgrounds of participants, the group has quickly formed a collaborative and supportive community.
During early sessions, the cohort focused on networking with members and faculty, effective communication, navigating regulatory requirements and working through several simulated exercises to apply leadership skills. They also began working on their cohort project, planning and hosting a bioinformatics hack-a-thon at APHL 2026 that will be open for other bioinformaticians to attend.
APHL is excited to launch applications and nominations for the second cohort in Winter 2025. This unique professional development opportunity is designed for early- to mid-career public health bioinformaticians looking to strengthen their leadership, communication and collaboration skills. Check APHL’ s website for more information on the next BLP opportunity.
20 LAB MATTERS Winter 2025 PublicHealthLabs @ APHL. org
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