PI / Lab Lead
Computational Biology & Cancer Genomics
We study how genetic diversity shapes cancer — and how our one-size-fits-all reference genome falls short. Our work uses pangenome graphs and patient-derived data to uncover ancestry-specific cancer biomarkers and reduce disparities in precision medicine.
And with our recent cMEDA Seed Grant, we’re expanding into spatial transcriptomics to explore how the microbiome interacts with its host — bringing my scientific journey full circle. 
MS Students
MS Bioinformatics Student
After getting my B.S. in Biology and minor in Computer Science at William & Mary, I’ve been excited to pursue a Master’s in Bioinformatics here at VCU. With deep passions in biology, medicine, and software engineering, this path seemed like the perfect merger of some of my favorite things (aside from nature walks, bicycling, and deep conversations)! During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to do some single-cell RNA sequencing, develop web apps for ecological preservation by BirdLife international, and engineer an iOS app that can sync to a live laryngoscope with an integrated convolutional neural network to improve patient outcomes.
Moving forward in the Tyc Lab, I am looking to apply those same passions towards host-microbe profiling and the analysis of spatially resolved Visium HD samples to advance future healthcare and research.
MS Bioinformatics Student
I am currently an accelerated master’s student studying bioinformatics at VCU. What excites me most about the bioinformatics field is being able to apply data science practices to discover patterns that can ultimately be used to improve a patient’s health. Through this project I hope to gain more advanced knowledge of whole genome sequencing, particularly the role of reference genomes in developing specialized medical treatments.
Undergraduate Students
VCU Honors College MS Bioinformatics Student
I am passionate about using bioinformatics to create more precise and effective medicines to help personalize clinical procedures and improve outcomes. From this research experience, I hope to get better proficiency with both common and uncommon bioinformatics tools and experience with large-scale genomic workflows. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to work with others in this field and grow my perspective!
BSc Biology Student
I am an undergraduate Biology student at Virginia Commonwealth University, completing minors in Chemistry and Pre-Medicine. My research interests are focused on identifying biomarkers or microbial signatures which can be used to prevent disease or optimize treatment by using bioinformatics techniques. While working under the guidance of Dr. Tyc, I have been using 16S and Shotgun sequencing data to investigate changes in microbial abundance due to chemotherapy-related toxicity and aim to identify a signature and a mechanism. I am also personally interested in extending these techniques to future research on how microbial contributions to perioperative inflammation, wound healing, graft performance, and postoperative recovery may shape surgical outcomes.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing soccer, skiing, spending time outdoors, and cooking.
VCU Honors College BSc Bioinformatics Student
I am an undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a B.S. in Bioinformatics, on the Pre-Medicine pathway. I believe that science and medicine go hand in hand—global crises can only be tackled through effective collaboration between researchers and healthcare professionals. Fueled by my personal experiences, I am interested in how the computational aspects of bioinformatics can be used for biomedical research as well as clinical applications. Specifically, I hope to investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cancer. As both an aspiring physician and scientist, I aim to merge my passions for medicine and research, to address global healthcare disparities, and advocate for underserved communities.