PhD Candidate · Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

Rakhul Kumar
Babusankar

I build machine learning models that turn messy single-cell genomic data into biomarkers that researchers and clinicians can trust by combining optimal transport theory, Bayesian inference, and graph neural networks to quantify uncertainty in cancer biology.

2.5 yrs
Genomics ML research
70+
Students mentored
23K+
Article views
Rakhul Kumar Babusankar
Manhattan, KS · K-State
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About

From bench-adjacent engineering
to genomics at scale.

At Kansas State University, I develop computational frameworks that improve single-cell genomics analysis and surface disease-relevant biomarkers, along with the uncertainty behind them. My research combines optimal transport theory, Bayesian inference, active learning, and graph neural networks to solve real problems in cancer biology and genomics.

Before K-State, I built computer vision and embedded systems for sports biomechanics at IIT Madras, and spent two years writing 60+ technical articles that translated complex science and technology for non-expert audiences, reaching 23,000+ readers. That habit of making dense material legible now shapes how I communicate research across disciplines.

I'm completing my PhD in Biomedical, Electrical & Computer Engineering and looking for my next role by applying research-grade computational biology to real problems in biotech R&D, healthcare AI, or clinical data science, where models need to hold up outside the lab.

LocationManhattan, Kansas, US
FocusComputational biology · Bioinformatics · Clinical Data Science
LanguagesEnglish, Tamil (full professional)
Research focus & technical skills

What I actually work with

The methods, tools, and problem spaces behind my research — the same stack I'd bring to a computational biology, bioinformatics, or clinical data science team.

Computational biology & Genomics

GENOM
Single-cell RNA-seq Spatial transcriptomics Multi-omics integration Biomarker discovery Cellular phenotyping Scanpy / Seurat Bioconductor Clinical & biological data analysis

Machine learning & AI

MLAI
Graph neural networks Bayesian inference Optimal transport Active learning Uncertainty quantification PyTorch scikit-learn

Statistics & Quantitative Methods

STAT
Applied statistics Probabilistic modeling Experimental design Hypothesis testing Computer vision

Tools & Platforms

TOOLS
Python R SQL MATLAB OpenCV Git / GitHub HPC / Linux Scientific communication Collective leadership
Experience

Research & Applied Work

Core research and technical roles. Leadership, writing, and mentorship experience is condensed below.

Graduate Research Assistant

Kansas State University
Jan 2024 — Present · Manhattan, KS
  • Lead multi-disciplinary computational biology research spanning single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and multi-omics integration.
  • Apply machine learning, optimal transport theory, active learning, and Bayesian inference to genomic data analysis and cellular phenotyping.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Kansas State University
Aug 2024 — Present · Manhattan, KS
  • Mentor 70+ students in ECE 431 (Microcontrollers Lab) — ADC, UART, timers, interrupts, and FSMs on the MSP430FR6989.
  • Evaluate lab reports, quizzes, and final projects; deliver 1:1 and group support on embedded C and debugging.

Project Associate

IIT Madras — CESSA
Aug 2023 — Dec 2023 · Chennai
  • Architected an end-to-end computer vision system using OpenCV, MATLAB, and Python to analyze swimming biomechanics and extract motion patterns from video data by integrating pose estimation, motion tracking, and performance evaluation.
  • Engineered a custom underwater data acquisition setup for reliable, scalable video capture in real pool environments.
  • Delivered a scalable, real-world sports analytics solution bridging computer vision research with practical coaching applications

R&D Intern

IIT Madras — CESSA
Mar 2022 — Jul 2023 · Chennai
  • Designed an FSR-based smart boxing shoe with an embedded microcontroller streaming footwork data over Bluetooth, plus a companion Android app for performance analysis.
  • Developed a parallel computer vision algorithm replicating the smart shoe's function without hardware.

Leadership, writing & mentorship

Alongside research, I've written for technical audiences and led teams — skills that carry directly into grant writing, cross-functional collaboration, and communicating findings to non-specialists.

WrittyGritty — 20+ articles, 23K+ views MIT Robotics Association — Head of Marketing, ₹2.3L raised The MIT Quill — Head of Event Planning Buddymantra.com — Content Writer, 40+ articles Microleaf Software — R&D Associate, Embedded Software Design IoTIoT.in — Embedded GUI Developer
Education

Degrees & certifications

PhD, Biomedical, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Kansas State University
Jan 2024 — Present
Graduate Certificate, Applied Statistics
Kansas State University
Aug 2024 — May 2026
BE, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
Anna University, MIT Campus
Jul 2019 — Jun 2023
Publications & honors

Recognition

Publication
M. Ilamathi, S. Ramakrishnan, and R. K. Babusankar, "Proactive hybrid learning framework for real-time multi-vehicle detection in unregulated traffic environments," Image Vis. Comput., vol. 147, Art. no. 105081, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.imavis.2024.105081.
All India Rank 1, National Engineering Olympiad 4.0
K-State Grad Edge — Graduate Student Leadership Development Program in Collective Leadership, Co-Creation and Organisational Culture.
Professionally certified in MATLAB, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Raspberry Pi / Arduino platforms
Scientific communication

Writing that makes complex science legible

60+
Technical articles
23K+
Total views
5
Core content verticals

I've written for outlets covering career development, AI/ML, cloud computing, and emerging technology — distilling topics like IoT, blockchain, and PCB design into clear, accurate, beginner-friendly writing. It's the same instinct I bring to explaining a Bayesian model to a wet-lab collaborator.

Get in touch

Open to computational biology, bioinformatics, and clinical data science roles.

If you're building AI/ML solutions in biotech, genomics, or medical imaging — or hiring for a role that bridges computational research with real clinical and lab problems — I'd love to talk.