Bioinformatics at the Northern Kentucky University

Two initiatives at NKU incorporate bioinformatics into biomedical research and education. First, several investigators at NKU have utilized bioinformatics tools in their KBRIN-funded research projects. These projects have primarily involved array based technologies that have been used to discover how specific genes are associated with structural and functional perturbations in model organisms. Some of this research has included collaborations with core facilities and faculty at the University of Louisville.

The second initiative based at NKU that addresses the field of bioinformatics indirectly has been the growth of the NKU College of Informatics. Established in 2006, this college offers bachelors and masters degrees in various areas of computer science, informatics, and communication. Most pertinent to the goals of KBRIN, the college offers a masters degree in Health Informatics. The Master of Health Informatics program provides a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to leverage their prior education and experience to meet the growing role of informatics and data management in the health care field. The program is designed for the working healthcare professional - it requires 35 credit hours that can be completed in 24 months. Core features of the program include experience-based learning in healthcare technology, process management, regulatory and ethical issues, and organizational culture of healthcare. More information about the program can be found at: http://informatics.nku.edu/bis/mhi/index.php