معرفی
Dr. Shila Ghazanfar is an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney, Faculty of Science. She is an expert in statistical and computational analysis of spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq data, with a focus on developing bioinformatic approaches for integrating complex biological datasets across various omics modalities.
Her educational background includes:
- Undergraduate studies in statistics and statistical bioinformatics at The University of Sydney
- PhD in statistics and statistical bioinformatics at The University of Sydney
- Royal Society Newton International Fellowship at The University of Cambridge under Dr. John Marioni in computational biology
Dr. Ghazanfar's research interests center on developing statistical bioinformatic and biomedical data science approaches for meaningful integration of complex and high-dimensional biological datasets. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans statistics, statistical bioinformatics, and computational biology, enabling her to devise strategies to jointly model processes generating diverse data sources. Her work aligns with the University of Sydney Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Complex Systems, Precision and Digital Health, and Data and Decisions.
Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2025) reveals strong focus areas including spatial transcriptomics infrastructure development, single-cell data integration methodologies, and applications in cancer research and cardiovascular biology. Key trends show progression from foundational method development to increasingly sophisticated multi-modal integration approaches, with significant emphasis on creating open-source computational tools for the research community.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Australian Research Council DECRA Fellowship
- Royal Society Newton International Fellowship
Dr. Ghazanfar actively mentors research students, including Angel GUAN working on melanoma immunotherapy research. Her grant portfolio demonstrates substantial research support:
- 2023: Statistical Bioinformatics for Single Cell, Spatial and Multiomic Biotechnologies (Faculty of Science)
- 2022: Defining spatiotemporal mechanisms for peripheral nerve regeneration (Partnership Collaboration Award)
- 2022: Multiscale data integration for single cell spatial genomics (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative)
- Australian Research Council DECRA for statistical approaches in spatial genomics
As a member of the Charles Perkins Centre, Dr. Ghazanfar participates in interdisciplinary research addressing complex health challenges through computational biology approaches, with collaborations spanning multiple domains from basic science to clinical applications.
