New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center
Wadsworth Center’s Dr. Spencer Bruce Participates in National Bioinformatics Leadership Program
Bioinformatics plays a vital role in translating complex genomic data into actionable insights for public health.
Dr. Spencer Bruce, Director of the Bioinformatics Core at the Wadsworth Center, recently took part in the Bioinformatics Leadership Program, held June 23-27, 2025, at the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
The intensive four-day workshop brought together bioinformatics leaders from public health laboratories across the United States to explore practical challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of public health bioinformatics. Sessions focused on critical topics such as quality management, regulatory and ethical considerations, data governance, IT constraints, and strategies for effectively communicating complex bioinformatics work to laboratory leadership, epidemiologists, and policymakers. Participants engaged in case studies, small group exercises, and panel discussions with experienced public health bioinformaticians, who shared their career journeys and lessons learned. The program was designed to strengthen peer-to-peer collaboration and equip bioinformatics leaders with tools to support day-to-day operations and decision-making in their laboratories.
This program provided a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues across the country, share best practices, and develop strategies to meet the challenges ahead. Dr. Bruce’s participation underscores the Wadsworth Center’s ongoing commitment to advancing bioinformatics capabilities and supporting leadership development in public health laboratory science.
