
The CEIRR Network is proud to spotlight Ivan Tomic, a research computing specialist in Dr. Adriana Tomic’s lab at Boston University, part of Johns Hopkins CEIRR (JH-CEIRR). Tomic was awarded “Outstanding Poster” in Poster Session B of the CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2024 for his poster titled “Immunoaut: Decoding Immune Response Patterns After Influenza Vaccination Using Machine Learning”.
Tomic was inspired to go into science by his “fascination with technology and a drive to make tangible contributions to human health” and was drawn to systems immunology specifically because it “offered the perfect synergy between [his] technical expertise and the potential to impact lives.” His award-winning poster focused on using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven platform Immunoaut to help elucidate factors that contribute to the protective immunity that vaccines afford us. One of the ultimate goals of his research is to create tailored vaccination strategies aimed at improving vaccine effectiveness and personalizing influenza prevention.
In addition to giving us insight into his research, Tomic also spoke about his appreciation of the collaborative and innovative nature of the CEIRR Network through “ensure[ing] [researchers] access to a wealth of resources, enabling impactful discoveries.” He said he appreciates how CEIRR “encourages the integration of advanced tools like artificial intelligence to unravel complex biological systems and push the boundaries of immunological research.”
The iDPCC also gained more insight into Tomic himself through a series of thought-provoking questions:
1. What are your plans following your training?
A. I see my future at the forefront of computational immunology, leading initiatives that revolutionize how we understand and manipulate immune responses. Atomic Lab has set the stage for this, and I plan to continue contributing to its mission while expanding its technological reach. My goal is to develop platforms that empower scientists globally, make data-driven medicine accessible, and inspire the next generation of researchers to embrace computational approaches.
2. Do you have advice for other trainees??
A. For trainees, my advice is to embrace technology wholeheartedly as it is the future of biology. Don’t shy away from learning computational tools and integrating them into your research. At Atomic Lab, we thrive at the intersection of disciplines, and I’ve seen firsthand how this multidisciplinary approach leads to breakthroughs. Be curious, seek mentorship, and always push the boundaries of what’s possible.
3. What is your favorite lab technique?
A. My favorite technique is building and implementing AI models for immune data analysis. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about uncovering patterns that redefine our understanding of the immune system.
4. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?
A. When I’m not immersed in code or immunology, I’m often found sailing or exploring tech-driven hobbies like building custom computational systems. Sailing teaches me to navigate challenges with precision, much like working in the ever-evolving field of computational biology. These hobbies fuel my creativity and help me stay grounded, complementing my work at Atomic Lab.