Meet Harry Morford, a second-year student in the Computational Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CoBB) master’s degree program.
Morford’s academic journey began at Pitt, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. After graduating, he found himself at a crossroads, considering medical school or a PhD. He wanted to learn more about artificial intelligence and computational biology, so he chose the CoBB program because of its emphasis on computational tools and their applications.
“I’ve been able to take such amazing classes and learn incredible things,” Morford said. “I really feel like I’m at the forefront of science.”
One of his favorite classes was Scalable Machine Learning for Big Data Biology with Associate Professor David Koes. This course explores the basics of machine learning and encourages students to design, implement and test their own machine learning solutions. Morford said he enjoyed learning how the AlphaFold artificial intelligence program works.
Morford’s academic journey has been enriched by hands-on internship experiences. At the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, he worked on a machine learning model to improve the Kidney Donor Profile Index, which assesses the viability of donor kidneys. The experience taught him valuable lessons in data analysis and model development.
Currently, he is interning with STAT MedEvac, where he also works part-time as an EMT. Morford has been a certified EMT for three years, and he is a member of the critical care ground support team for STAT MedEvac. In his role as a data analytics intern, he is using diagnostic tools to optimize patient safety.
“One of my deep interests is being able to create diagnostic tools that will help out clinical teams and clinical staff,” he said. “Computational bio has taught me a lot of optimization and precision medicine elements that I think will enhance medicine as much as possible.”
From juggling course assignments to working overnight shifts as an EMT, life is busy for Morford. He credits his success in grad school to the supportive network at Pitt.
“Amanda Axelson (the master’s program coordinator) has been really great at helping me figure out the best ways to optimize my time here, whether that’s looking at courses or figuring out different events that I can participate in,” he said.
Morford, who is also a member of the Biomedical Graduate Student Association, has appreciated the opportunity to network with other graduate students who share his interests.
“I love meeting all these wonderful people who are so interested in science and making the world a better place,” he said.
As Morford approaches the completion of his master’s degree in April, he’s planning for his future career. His next step includes earning a paramedic license—an opportunity provided through STAT MedEvac—while preparing to apply for a PhD in bioinformatics. In the long term, he hopes to develop diagnostic tools that bridge computational science and clinical care. As he continues to forge his path, he aims to make an impact in both research and clinical care.