Layla Oesper, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER grant for her project, “Algorithmic Approaches for Phylogenetic Analysis of Tumor Evolution.” Her work will contribute to computational genomics and cancer research through the development of methods for comparison, summarization, and communication of clonal trees that reveal how tumors acquire mutations leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Additionally, Prof. Oesper’s research involves undergraduate researchers in computational biology through workshops, innovative classroom experiences, and cutting-edge research. CAREER grants are NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty and support those with the “potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.”