Shihong Max Gao

Max is a bioinformatician in Scientific Computing Softwares. In this role, Max develops and optimizes computational solutions to support various research groups. His responsibilities include leading the development of spatial transcriptomics bioinformatics pipelines, such as STOmics and Curio Seeker/Trekker, and maintaining shared analysis pipelines for MERFISH, scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, and bulk sequencing. Max collaborates with multiple labs, providing bioinformatics analysis across diverse model organisms and research topics. His expertise encompasses sequencing data analysis, proteomics, image segmentation using deep learning, CRISPR screens, data visualization, and web development to enhance research data accessibility.

Max earned his Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Baylor College of Medicine, where his work combined wet-lab approaches, including biochemistry, genetics, and sequencing, with bioinformatics and computational analysis. His doctoral research focused on 1. lysosomal protein composition in long-lived organisms, utilizing lysosomal precipitation and proteomic profiling to compare lysosomal proteins in long-lived and wild-type worms. The findings revealed that lysosomes near the nucleus aid longevity by recruiting key nutrition-sensing factors. 2. single-nucleus sequencing in C. elegans at different aging stages, creating most the first comprehensive transcriptomic cell atlas. This research provided insights into aging mechanisms and served as a resource for germline trajectory and alternative polyadenylation splicing. He graduated valedictorian from the School of Life Sciences at Peking University.

As the sole public bioinformatician in Janelia, he manages multiple projects simultaneously, providing high-quality support to a diverse group of research clients while adapting to their unique bioinformatics needs.