Who are we?

Creative Data Solutions (CDS) is a Vanderbilt University Shared Resource (otherwise known as a core facility) that was created in August of 2014. Unlike many other cores that offer physical products, assays or equipment time, CDS provides is 100% service-based. At its core, CDS merges scientific experience with technical known-how to tackle basic research and clinical projects that require skills in data management, processing and analysis.

CDS is part of the Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology. Directed by Dr. Mark Magnuson, the VCSCB facilitates studies of the basic biology of stem and progenitor cells through partnerships with the Program in Developmental Biology (PDB) and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. Notably, the Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER) is also part of the VCSCB, and we enjoy interacting with them!

Contact Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide bioinformatics and informatics research services.

Our Vision

Our vision is to have a measurable impact on the ability of research investigators to both publish their work and obtain new funding.

Our Core Values

  • Promote bioinformatics and advanced computation to augment our ability to achieve a solutions-driven approach to life science problems.
  • Maintain a strong informatics skill-set necessary for unraveling and integrating datasets originating from various sources and technologies.
  • Developing visually pleasing and understandable mixed-media and visual solutions, in order to best communicate data and resulting knowledge.

Our Team

Our team is growing and we also have strategic partners within VUIT, VTS and other Vanderbilt resources like ACCRE.

Shristi Shrestha, Ph.D.

Shristi Shrestha, Ph.D.

Bioinformatics Analyst & Staff Scientist

Matthew Cottam, Ph.D.

Matthew Cottam, Ph.D.

Bioinformatics Analyst / Research Associate

Nathan Casteel

Nathan Casteel

Linux System Administrator
(Strategic Partner / VUIT)

Faculty Advisory Committee

We are very thankful for our the feedback and support from our committee members.

Ron Emeson, Ph.D.

Ron Emeson, Ph.D.

Joel G. Hardman Professor
Department of Pharmacology
Associate Director, Vanderbilt Brain Institute

2019-2022

Brent Ferrell, M.D.

Brent Ferrell, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine

2022

Kathy Gould, Ph.D.

Kathy Gould, Ph.D.

Louise B. McGavock Professor
Department of CellĀ and Developmental Biology
Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences

2019-2022

Ken Lau, Ph.D.

Ken Lau, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Cell & Developmental Biology

2019-2022

Rafael Arrojo e Drigo, Ph.D.

Rafael Arrojo e Drigo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics

2022

Mark Magnuson M.D.

Mark Magnuson M.D.

Louise B. McGavock Professor
Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Director, Center for Stem Cell Biology

2019-2022

Al Powers, M.D.

Al Powers, M.D.

Joe C. Davis Professor
Department of Medicine
Director, Diabetes Research and Training Center

2019-2022

Past Committee Members

  • Vivian Gama, Ph.D. - Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (2019-2021)
  • Ed Levine, Ph.D. - Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (2019-2021)