Genomic map of candidate human imprint control regions: the imprintome.
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☕️Dereje Jima
Senior Research Scholar in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Professional Summary
Dereje Jima is a Senior Research Scholar in bioinformatics and computational biology at North Carolina State University. His work with the Center for Human Health and the Environment focuses on genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, multi-omics integration, environmental health, and reproducible computational workflows for collaborative biomedical research.
Education
PhD Bioinformatics
2022-08-01
2026-05-09
North Carolina State University
MSc Bioinformatics
2003-08-30
2005-07-31
Wageningen University, the Netherlands
BSc Plant Science
1996-08-25
2000-07-30
Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Interests
Machine learning for high-dimensional biological data
Epigenetics and epigenomics
Cancer genomics and transcriptomics
Genomic imprinting and regulatory genomics
Multi-omics data integration
Reproducible bioinformatics workflows
AI, deep learning, and large language models for biomedical research
Research Focus
I work at the intersection of bioinformatics, computational biology, and collaborative environmental health research. My focus is on integrating high-throughput genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and other complex biological datasets to uncover mechanisms that shape human health and disease.
At the Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE), I serve as a bioinformatics liaison for interdisciplinary research teams. I develop reproducible analysis workflows, contribute to study design and statistical modeling, support collaborative research planning, and mentor trainees working through challenging computational biology questions.
I am especially interested in projects that turn complex data into clear biological insight. Please reach out if you would like to collaborate.
Research Themes
Epigenomics
DNA methylation, imprint control regions, regulatory genomics, and developmental origins of disease.
Environmental Health
Collaborative CHHE projects connecting exposure biology, human health, and interpretable omics analysis.
Multi-omics
Integrated analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and other high-throughput biological data.
Reproducible Bioinformatics
Reusable workflows, statistical modeling, and computational strategy for research teams and trainees.
Research Profiles
Featured Publications
Highlighted publications selected for their impact and relevance.
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1 min read
The genetic landscape of mutations in Burkitt lymphoma.
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Recent Publications
A curated list of recent peer-reviewed work. Featured items are excluded so the recent list stays fresh and uncluttered.
1.
(2025).
C/EBPβ Deficiency Enhances Keratinocyte Apoptosis after UVB-Induced DNA Damage via Regulation of the Type I IFN and TNF Responses..
Frontiers in cell death.
2.
(2025).
Developing a feasible fast-track testing method for developmental neurotoxicity studies: alternative model for risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics..
Frontiers in toxicology.
3.
(2025).
Developmental PBDE exposure impairs histamine release from mast cells by altering granule maturation and calcium signaling in adult male and female mice..
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology.
4.
(2025).
Developmental PBDE exposure persistently impairs mast cell function in vivo and drives sex-specific morphological and transcriptional changes in bone marrow-derived mast cells..
Environmental research.
Full Publication List
View the complete peer-reviewed publication record, including publications beyond the highlighted and recent selections shown above.
Recent News
PhD in Bioinformatics completed at NC State
Dereje Jima graduated from North Carolina State University with a PhD in Bioinformatics on May 9, 2026, while continuing full-time work in bioinformatics research.
Recent honors and recognitions
Selected honors include Pride of the Wolfpack recognition, the CHHE Outstanding Member Award, and Netherlands Fellowship Program support for graduate study.