Palash Sashittal

Palash Sashittal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His research focuses on computational biology, cancer genomics, and bioinformatics, with a strong emphasis on developing algorithms for genomic data analysis and lineage tracing. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, an M.S. in Computer Science from the same institution, and a B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

His work bridges computational methods with biological systems, particularly in understanding tumor evolution through single-cell sequencing and modeling clonal dynamics. Recent contributions include methods for CRISPR-based lineage tracing (Startle), tumor phylogeny inference (ConDoR), and SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific PCR assay design. His interdisciplinary approach integrates techniques from machine learning, fluid dynamics, and evolutionary biology.

Publications highlight advancements in genomic evolution modeling, clonal heterogeneity analysis, and computational tools for cancer research. His research has implications for precision oncology, infectious disease tracking, and understanding cellular mechanisms.