Stephen Wyka, PhD
About Stephen Wyka, PhD
Stephen Wyka, PhD, serves as a Senior Scientist in Computational Biology at LifeMine Therapeutics, where he applies his expertise in Python for genomic data analysis. His extensive background includes roles in plant pathology, remote sensing, and teaching across various institutions.
Current Role at LifeMine Therapeutics
Stephen Wyka currently holds the position of Senior Scientist in Computational Biology at LifeMine Therapeutics, a role he began in 2024. His responsibilities include developing and implementing bioinformatic pipelines for large-scale genomic data analysis. He has a background in utilizing Python for data visualization and statistical analysis, which supports his work in genomic research.
Previous Experience at LifeMine Therapeutics
Prior to his current role, Stephen Wyka worked at LifeMine Therapeutics as Scientist II in Computational Biology from 2022 to 2024 and as Scientist I from 2020 to 2022. During his tenure, he contributed to various projects that involved genomic data analysis and the development of computational tools for research purposes.
Education and Expertise
Stephen Wyka earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Pathology from Colorado State University, where he conducted research that enhanced genomic resources through the assembly and annotation of fungal genomes. He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Plant Biology from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the same institution.
Research Background and Skills
Stephen has extensive research experience in plant pathology, entomology, and epidemiological modeling. His Master's research focused on predicting spore dispersal and disease spread related to White Pine Needle Damage. He has developed biopesticide foliar sprays for disease management during his time at Arborjet and has utilized remote sensing and GIS techniques in his research.
Teaching and Mentorship Experience
Stephen Wyka has served as a Teaching Assistant at both Colorado State University and the University of New Hampshire. His roles included assisting in Inquiry Biology labs and supporting undergraduate students in their learning processes. His experience in academia complements his research background, providing a well-rounded understanding of both teaching and scientific inquiry.