Bioinformatics Core

virtual dna strand

Bioinformatics analysis to support research activities.

The Bioinformatics Core helps researchers identify and interpret patterns in RNA and DNA by placing sequencing data into a biologically meaningful context. This encompasses assisting with experimental design, developing reproducible workflows, analyzing next-generation sequencing data, and supporting manuscript development/publication.

Core Closure for the 4th of July Holiday

In observance of Independence Day, the Bioinformatics Core will be closed on Friday, July 3.

“We are thrilled with the services provided to our team by the BRCF Bioinformatics Core, the services provide enabled us to publish top tier papers and be awarded multiple NIH funded grants. We are very grateful to have this Core available to us on campus!”

Dr. Maria Castro and Dr. Pedro Lowenstein

How We Can Help You

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Consultations

We offer an initial, free pre-analysis consultation to discuss the types of analysis and support bioinformatics can provide, in addition to assisting with experimental design to best answer the biological question(s) of interest.

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Data Analysis

Offering a variety of analyses

Learn More About Data Analysis
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Workshops & Training

Hosting regular virtual, hands-on workshops

Learn More About Workshops & Training

“I’ve greatly enjoyed my experience working with the Bioinformatics Core. Chris and his team were instrumental in establishing a workflow for the measurement of allele-specific expression using data from targeted RNA-seq and DNA-seq. Their services were timely and helped us to publish and secure continued funding.”

Prof. Beverly Strassmann

Facilities & Resources

The BRCF Bioinformatics Core employs three full-time bioinformaticians. This core helps researchers identify and interpret patterns in RNA, DNA, and proteins by placing sequencing or mass spectrometry data into a biologically meaningful context. Support offered includes assisting with experimental design, training in analysis execution, developing reproducible workflows, analyzing data, and supporting manuscript development/publication.

Meet the Team


Nick Carruthers

Nick Carruthers, M.S., Ph.D.

Bioinformatics Analyst

Dr. Nick Carruthers specializes in statistical and functional analysis of RNASeq and Proteomics data. He is interested in data sharing and reproducible analysis pipelines. Prior to working at the University of Michigan, he was a bioinformatician at the Wayne State University Proteomics Facility. He received his Ph.D. in Toxicology and M.S. in Data Science from Wayne State University and B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Waterloo. His free time is spent with his family or on the golf course.

portrait of RAYMOND CAVALCANTE

Raymond Cavalcante, Ph.D.

Bioinformatics Analyst

Dr. Cavalcante consults with clients to understand their bioinformatics needs and develop suitable analysis plans. He develops modular, scalable, and reproducible analysis pipelines for epigenomics assays (ChIP-seq, WGBS, ERRBS, ATAC-seq, and the EPIC methylation array). Dr. Cavalcante received his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan in August 2017, where he focused on building computational tools to help interpret and give context to epigenomics and metabolomics data. He completed his undergraduate work in Mathematics from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and an M.A. in Mathematics from San Francisco State University. When not working, he likes to escape to the Upper Peninsula as much as possible to ski and cook in the winter, or hike and pick berries in the summer.

portrait of WEISHENG WU

Weisheng Wu, Ph.D.

Bioinformatics Analyst

Weisheng Wu received his Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences and Graduate Minor degree in Statistics from Pennsylvania State University in 2011. His Ph.D. and postdoctoral research in Dr. Ross Hardison’s lab in the Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics at Penn State has given him versatile experiences of generation and analysis of genome-scale high-throughput sequencing data in a mouse model. Dr. Wu’s research has been focusing on elucidating the dynamics of genome-scale epigenetic landscapes in hematopoiesis through next-generation sequencing technology. He has made interesting discoveries about the roles of histone modifications associated with transcription factor binding and gene regulation during erythroid differentiation. Dr. Wu is also making active contributions to both Human ENCODE and Mouse ENCODE projects.

Questions?

Contact Us

North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), Building 22
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800

About Us

The Bioinformatics Core is one of the Biomedical Research Core Facilities, and a part of the Medical School Office of Research, where our mission is to foster an environment of innovation and efficiency that serves the Michigan Medicine research community and supports biomedical science from insight to impact.

Upcoming Research Events

All Office of Research Events

Principles of Spectral Flow Cytometry Lunch and Learn

Join the BRCF Research Store, the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core, and Thermo Fisher Scientific to learn about spectral flow cytometry. Enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Research-Clinical Collaborations for Whole Genome Sequencing

Join the Central Biorepository (CBR) for a virtual session exploring how interdepartmental collaborations among the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI), CBR, AI & Digital Health Innovation (AI&DHI), and Pathology’s division of Diagnostic Genetics & Genomics (DGG) are creating a win-win for investigators advancing genomic research and clinical care at Michigan Medicine.

FFMI Industry-Ready Webinar Series: Agreement Types and When to Use Them

"Agreement Types and When to Use Them" provides a practical overview of the most common agreement structures used in academic–industry collaborations.

The Funding Forum

Join the Grant Services and Analysis Research Development (RD) team on Zoom every third Thursday at 2:00 pm for the Funding Forum – a 60-minute session designed to help UMMS faculty gain an advantage in grant seeking and proposal development.
Event runs May 21, 2026 - December 17, 2026

FFMI Industry-Ready Webinar Series: IP, Data, and Publications in Industry-Sponsored Research

"IP, Data, and Publications in Industry-Sponsored Research" explores the key considerations around intellectual property, data management, and publication rights in industry collaborations.

New England Biolabs Product Showcase

Join the BRCF Research Store and New England Biolabs to learn about products, including what's new. Enjoy coffee, donuts, and giveaways!

Oncology Drug Discovery & Development (3D) Workshop

Fast Forward Medical Innovation and Pfizer offer an educational, one-day program to provide participants with an interactive, team-based learning experience of the drug discovery and development process. Apply by Wednesday, July 1!

The Funding Forum

Join the Grant Services and Analysis Research Development (RD) team on Zoom every third Thursday at 2:00 pm for the Funding Forum – a 60-minute session designed to help UMMS faculty gain an advantage in grant seeking and proposal development.
Event runs May 21, 2026 - December 17, 2026

Researchpalooza

Join exhibitors from labs and offices of the Medical School and across campus for this annual event showcasing the services provided to research faculty, staff, and students.

Featured Research News

All Office of Research News
A BRCF Flow Cytometry Instrument
Office of Research

BRCF Flow Cytometry Service Enhancements Coming July 1

The BRCF Flow Cytometry Core is introducing a new billing structure that provides researchers with greater transparency, precision, and control over their spending.
BRCF Fourth of July 2026 Closures
Office of Research

BRCF Core Closures for the 4th of July Holiday 2026

In observance of Independence Day, several cores will be closed on July 3 or have adjusted hours for sample submissions and special orders.
Chang Kim
Office of Research

Chang Kim is the Next BRCF Flow Cytometry Core Faculty Director

Chang Kim, Ph.D., was recently appointed faculty director of the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core. He brings expertise in cytometry, imaging, and leadership.