Hirak Sarkar, a machine learning and genomics expert, recently became a new faculty member in the College of Connected Computing and also joined the Discovery Vanderbilt Center for Computational Systems Biology in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences.
Sarkar’s research focuses on developing computational models for single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics, aiming to uncover the principles of tissue organization and disease microenvironments.
“I am excited to be part of the CCC faculty,” said Sarkar, who joined as an assistant professor on Aug. 1. “I look forward to contributing to the highly interdisciplinary research environment at Vanderbilt, particularly by collaborating with the medical school to accelerate translational impact through the development of computational and AI-driven methods. At the same time, I aim to build a state-of-the-art curriculum to train the next generation of computational biologists, preparing them for impactful careers in both academia and industry.”
By combining machine learning with high-dimensional biological data, Sarkar bridges computational innovation with biomedical discovery. At the CCSB, he will help leverage team science and computational biology to turn biomolecular data into actionable insights.
“Dr. Hirak Sarkar represents exactly the kind of faculty talent we envisioned when we launched the CCSB,” said Ken Lau, director of CCSB. “With rigorous training in computer science and deep engagement in computational biology, he bridges two critical disciplines that are central to Vanderbilt’s vision for data-driven discovery. His scholarship, teaching ability, and collaborative spirit will strengthen our efforts to build an interdisciplinary community that connects the CCC to the biomedical sciences.”
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Sarkar was a Ludwig Scholar at Princeton University. He earned his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Maryland, College Park, specializing in computational biology.