Ma Lab of Statistical Genomics

The Ma Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center specializes in statistical and computational methods for genomic data, in particular microbiome data. We employ a variety of statistical learning methods, ranging from dimensionality reduction, graphical models, and high-dimensional inference, to address the analytical challenges faced with interpreting omics data. The long-term goals of our research are to enhance biomarker discoveries through powerful and robust statistical inference, and to translate these findings to advance clinical research.

Keywords: microbiome, network analysis, high-dimensional inference, data integration


Our paper on inference for microbe-metabolite association networks is out in Biometrics! For a quick overview of the method, also check out my talk.

Posted 10 Mar 2026 by Jing Ma

Our paper on constructing canine comorbidity networks using data from the Dog Aging Project was featured in EurekAlert!! This work was led by a former undergraduate intern Antoinette Fang.

Posted 30 Aug 2025 by Jing Ma

The Section on Statistics in Genomics and Genetics (SSGG) of the American Statistical Association is pleased to announce the 2025 Distinguished Student Paper Award Competition.

For eligibility criteria and application guidelines, please go to https://lnkd.in/ga6G2Ys6

All materials must be received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) November 15, 2024.

Posted 16 Sep 2024 by Jing Ma

I gave a talk to undergraduate interns in the SeattleStatGROWS program on Data to Knowledge: A Personal Journey. This talk features recent work on canine comorbidity networks by a former undergraduate intern Antoinette Fang.

Posted 11 Jul 2024 by Jing Ma

I was recently invited to write about careers in Biostatistics for high school students interested in careers in STEM and healthcare. If you are curious about careers in Biostatistics or cancer research, please check out this article. Huge thanks to Kristen Bergsman who helped write the article!

Posted 25 May 2023 by Jing Ma