Jennifer Couch, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Couch leads the branch by developing and supporting basic research in technology development and molecular applications, biophysical biology, and computational/mathematical methods. She manages a portfolio of grants focusing on multiscale modeling, bioinformatics, citizen science, and data science. Additionally, Dr. Couch's areas of expertise include artificial intelligence (AI), molecular applications, structural biology, and biotechnology.
Along with her DCB responsibilities, Dr. Couch is also a member of trans-NCI, trans-NIH, and trans-agency groups, including the Interagency Modeling and Analysis Group (IMAG), the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy (GDS) Implementation Working Group (PIWG), NCI SBIR Technology Advisory Group (TAG), NIH Citizen Science Working Group, NIH Microbiome Interest Group, and NCI-NBIB Technology Interest Group. She also co-chairs a Cancer Moonshot Implementation Team and is the NIH Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Coordinator for a congressional initiative that helps NIH engage communities in addressing societal needs and accelerating biomedical science, technology, and innovation.
Research Programs
Dr. Couch is also involved in NCI research programs, an NIH Common Fund Program, and Cancer Moonshot activities:
- Physical Sciences - Oncology Network (PS-ON)
- Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP)
- Informatics Technology in Cancer Research (ITCR)
- DataViz + Cancer
Background
Prior to DCB, she worked as a program director in the Technology Branch of the Cancer Diagnosis Program in the NCI Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD).
Education
- Ph.D., Molecular Plant Genetics, Penn State University
- B.S, Biophysics, Oregon State University