Will Hannon
Professional Summary
I’m a computational biologist with extensive experience analyzing large datasets from high-throughput sequencing experiments. My expertise includes developing computational tools, building reproducible analysis pipelines, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to solve complex biological problems. I’m seeking to apply my skills to cutting-edge research projects.
Skills
Languages: Python • Javascript • R • Bash
Libraries: Visualization with Altair/Vega, D3.js, and ggplot2 • Analysis with pandas, numpy, and tidyverse • Web development with Vue.js and VitePress
Tools: Git • Conda • Snakemake
Scientific: Virology • High-throughput sequencing analysis • Bioinformatics-informed experimental design
Professional: Collaboration • Teaching • Mentorship
Education
PhD, Molecular and Cellular Biology | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | December 2023
Thesis work developing computational approaches to study the dynamics of viral evolution and pathogenesis from high-throughput datasets advised by Jesse Bloom
BA, Biochemistry | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | May 2017
cum laude
Work Experience
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center | January 2023 to Present
Data Scientist
- Developed infrastructure for sharing data from viral deep mutational scanning experiment, complete with detailed documentation and interactive visualizations, enabling broader scientific engagement.
- Led the redesign of the Bloom lab’s website, centralizing important resources such as software, blog posts, and publications for improved accessibility and organization.
- Collaborated with wet-lab biologists, providing data analysis support, experimental design guidance, and training lab members in computational tools and bioinformatics skills.
University of Washington | August 2019 to December 2023
Graduate Research Assistant––Advised by Jesse Bloom
- Designed and implemented reusable computational pipelines to analyze viral deep-sequencing data, contributing to our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics.
- Applied phylogenetic techniques and computational modeling to elucidate how measles evolves from an acute respiratory infection to a chronic neurological disorder.
- Created a web-based tool to visualize mutation-associated data within a 3D protein structure, improving researchers' ability to interpret structural impacts of mutations.
National Institutes of Health | June 2017 to June 2019
Post-baccalaureate Fellow––Advised by Philipp Oberdoerffer and Pedro Batista
- Self-taught Python and developed an automated image analysis pipeline to count fluorescent foci, providing quantitative insights into DNA damage response mechanisms.
- Pioneered new experiments investigating the role of RNA-DNA hybrids in DNA damage response, expanding the lab's research directions.
- Researched the impact of RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), on genome stability during DNA Double-Strand Breaks, advancing knowledge in genome maintenance mechanisms.
Case Western Reserve University | November 2016 to May 2017
Research Assistant––Advised by Jeff Coller
- Developed a computational pipeline to analyze the relationship between influenza codon usage, RNA stability, and pathogenicity, enhancing understanding of viral evolution and adaptation mechanisms.
Selected Publications
dms-viz: Structure-informed visualizations for deep mutational scanning and other mutation-based datasets; Hannon, William W; Bloom, Jesse D; JOSS, 2024- Spatial dynamics and evolution of a measles virus genome collective that drove subacute sclerosing panencephalitis; Yousaf, Iris*; Hannon, William W*, Donohue, Ryan C; Pfaller, Christian K; Yadav, Kalpana; Dikdan, Ryan J; Tyagi, Sanjay; Schroeder, Declan C; Shieh, Wun-Ju; Rota, Paul A; Feder, Alison F; Cattaneo, Roberto; PLOS Pathogens, 2023
- Narrow transmission bottlenecks and limited within-host viral diversity during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on a fishing boat; Hannon, William W; Roychoudhury, Pavitra; Xie, Hong; Shrestha, Lasata; Addetia, Amin; Jerome, Keith R; Greninger, Alexander L; Bloom, Jesse D; Virus Evolution, 2022
- A pseudovirus system enables deep mutational scanning of the full SARS-CoV-2 spike: Dadonaite, Bernadeta; Crawford, Katharine HD; Radford, Caelan E; Farrell, Ariana G; Timothy, C Yu; Hannon, William W; Zhou, Panpan; Andrabi, Raiees; Burton, Dennis R; Liu, Lihong; Cell, 2023
- Shifting mutational constraints in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain during viral evolution; Starr, Tyler N*; Greaney, Allison J*; Hannon, William W; Loes, Andrea N; Hauser, Kevin; Dillen, Josh R; Ferri, Elena; Farrell, Ariana Ghez; Dadonaite, Bernadeta; McCallum, Matthew; Science, 2022
- Prospective mapping of viral mutations that escape antibodies used to treat COVID-19; Starr, Tyler N; Greaney, Allison J; Addetia, Amin; Hannon, William W; Choudhary, Manish C; Dingens, Adam S; Li, Jonathan Z; Bloom, Jesse D; Science, 2021
Teaching and Mentorship
Research Mentor | Bloom Lab, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | 2021 to Present
Mentored 2 rotation students (10 weeks each) and 1 undergraduate student (2 months) on independent computational research projects.
Teaching Assistant | Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington | Winter 2021
Biochemistry (BIOC 441): Led two weekly quiz sections of 30+ students, and assisted in curriculum and exam writing.
Teaching Assistant | Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington | Fall 2020
Tools for Computational Biology (MCB 517): Taught incoming graduate students basic computational skills.