Computational Biology senior concentrators Kanayo Duru and Lisa Duan each recently received an Unspecified Award from the Dean of the College for outstanding graduating seniors who have shown great commitment to their undergraduate research. Kanayo and Lisa are both Honors candidates who are working on their senior theses in computational biology. CCMB is proud of our exceptional undergraduate students! 

Kanayo Duru has spent his time at Brown finding purpose in oncology research, global health equity, and music. Kanayo has turned his oncology research into a senior thesis on “Machine Learning in Multi-Parametric Modeling of Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer.” Outside of academics, Kanayo expresses himself through music, and he has been the first African-American head student conductor of the Brown Band. After graduating, Kanayo will be working as a Community Health Facilitator with the Peace Corps, and hopes to pursue a degree in medicine. 

Lisa Duan’s fascination with the human body and computer science have converged in her study of Computational Biology. Lisa’s senior thesis research has focused on using machine learning on large clinical datasets for diagnosis and outcome prediction, culminating in her thesis: “CSF metabolomic signatures predict shunt outcomes for patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus.” Lisa’s goal is to be a practicing physician while continuing to conduct research at the intersection of machine learning and medicine. She will be pursuing her medical degree after graduation, and is excited to travel this summer!