You will develop firm foundations in evolutionary biology, data science, statistics, and modeling. The BilDS program is unique among other interdisciplinary, big-data programs across the country in our emphasis on evolutionary training, modeling for prediction, and culturally sensitive teamwork.

You can choose from a broad selection of interdisciplinary graduate courses. BilDS Foundation courses are intensive, team-taught, case-based courses that ensure students have a strong understanding of core concepts in evolution, ecology, and epidemiology; exposure to contemporary, real-world topics where modeling and predicting system disturbances are important; and the knowledge-based to cultivate hypothesis development, experimental design, and teamwork skills at the beginning of their graduate training.

You will apply data-driven solutions to real-world problems in internships with non-academic institutions. BilDS trainees are encouraged to complete a 6-8 week, applied internship during their second year, selected from a diverse list of government, non-profit, industry, start-up, and international partners.

You will grow through extensive professional development training that includes computational and communication skills, teamwork and cultural sensitivity training. This programming is grounded in the “six Cs" of effective mentoring: collaborative, cooperative, confidential, confidence-building, collegial and comforting.