Teaching
Current Courses
Knight Campus Courses (2024-2026)
Statistics for Bioengineers
Course Number: TBD
Term: Spring 2025, Winter 2026
Level: Graduate
Description: Statistical methods and computational approaches for bioengineering research. Students learn to apply statistical reasoning to biological data and engineering problems.
Topics Covered: - Statistical inference and hypothesis testing - Linear and nonlinear modeling - Experimental design for bioengineering - Data visualization and interpretation - Machine learning applications
Computational Tools for Bioengineers
Course Number: TBD
Term: Fall 2025
Level: Graduate
Description: Introduction to computational methods and programming tools essential for modern bioengineering research.
Topics Covered: - Programming in Python and R - High-performance computing - Data management and workflows - Image analysis and processing - Computational modeling of biological systems
Past Courses
Core Biology and Evolution Courses
BI 253: Honors Biology - Evolution and Biodiversity
Years Taught: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Level: Undergraduate
Format: Lecture and Laboratories
Description: Honors-level introduction to evolutionary biology and biodiversity for undergraduate students.
BI 355: Evolution
Years Taught: 2012
Level: Undergraduate
Format: Lecture and Laboratories
Description: Comprehensive introduction to evolutionary theory, mechanisms, and applications.
Genetics and Genomics Courses
BI 486/586: Population Genetics
Years Taught: 2008, 2010
Level: Upper-division Undergraduate and Graduate
Format: Lecture and Problem Sessions
Description: Mathematical and conceptual foundations of population genetics, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, genetic drift, selection, and gene flow.
BI 496/596: Conservation Genetics
Years Taught: 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011
Level: Upper-division Undergraduate and Graduate
Format: Lecture and Problem Sessions
Description: Application of genetic and genomic approaches to conservation biology, including population viability analysis and genetic management of endangered species.
Statistics and Computational Biology
BI 610: Advanced Biological Statistics
Years Taught: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Level: Graduate
Format: Lecture and Computational Labs
Description: Advanced statistical methods for biological research, with emphasis on experimental design and data analysis using R.
BI 610: Foundational Biological Statistics
Years Taught: 2020, 2021, 2022
Level: Graduate
Format: Lecture and Computational Labs
Description: Introduction to statistical thinking and methods for graduate students in biology.
Evolutionary Genomics Module on Quantitative Genetics
Years Taught: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Level: Graduate
Format: Lecture and Computational Sessions
Description: Module within the evolutionary genomics course covering quantitative genetic approaches to understanding complex traits.
Graduate Programs and Seminars
Bioinformatics and Genomics Masters Program
Years Taught: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Role: Founder and Director
Format: Lecture, Laboratories, Internships
Description: Intensive graduate program combining coursework in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science with hands-on research experience and industry internships.
BI 607: Evolution, Development and Genomics Journal Club
Years Taught: 2005-2012 (every term)
Level: Graduate
Format: Discussion
Description: Weekly journal club discussing current literature in evolutionary genomics and developmental biology.
BI 507: Current Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Years Taught: 2005-2006
Level: Graduate
Format: Discussion
Description: Seminar series featuring invited speakers and discussion of current research in ecology and evolution.
International Teaching and Workshops
Workshop Faculty (18 International Workshops)
Evomics - European School of Genomics
Location: Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Topics: Population genomics, RAD-seq, and evolutionary genomics
Berlin School of Evolutionary Genomics
Location: Berlin, Germany
Year: 2021
Topics: Advanced methods in evolutionary genomics
GENECO RAD-seq Workshop
Location: Lund University, Sweden
Years: 2012, 2015
Topics: RAD-seq library preparation and data analysis
Workshop on Population Genomics
Location: University of Puerto Rico, San Juan
Year: 2011
Topics: Population genomic approaches for non-model organisms
Summer School on Population Genomics and Evolution
Location: Frauenchiemsee, Germany
Year: 2010
Topics: Theory and practice of population genomics
Additional International Workshops
- 2012: Pacific-America Science Institute, Silliman University, Philippines
- 2012: Switzerland RAD-seq Workshop, University of Neuchâtel
- 2011: National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) RAD-seq Workshop, Durham, NC
- 2010: UK Workshop on RAD-seq, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Educational Resources
Tutorials and Workshops
RAD-seq Workshop
Annual workshop on RAD-seq library preparation and data analysis using Stacks. Contact us at wcresko@uoregon.edu for information about upcoming workshops.
Bioinformatics Bootcamp
Intensive one-week introduction to command-line tools and genomic data analysis. - Offered each summer - Open to UO students and external participants - Registration Information
Online Resources
Stacks Tutorials
Comprehensive tutorials for population genomics analysis are available through the Stacks manual.
Lecture Materials
Selected lecture slides and materials are available to enrolled students through Canvas.
Teaching Philosophy and Awards
Recognition
- 2010: Biology Department Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Oregon
- Consistently high student evaluations across all courses
- Invited faculty at 18 international workshops
Teaching Approach
Our teaching philosophy emphasizes: - Active learning: Hands-on computational exercises and problem-solving - Real-world applications: Using actual genomic datasets in coursework - Inclusive pedagogy: Creating supportive learning environments for all students - Interdisciplinary thinking: Connecting biology, statistics, and computational approaches - Research integration: Bringing current research into the classroom
Mentoring Philosophy
Our lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all trainees. We believe in:
- Active mentoring: Regular one-on-one meetings and goal setting
- Professional development: Support for conference attendance, workshops, and career planning
- Collaborative learning: Peer mentoring and lab group discussions
- Work-life balance: Flexible schedules and respect for personal time
- Diversity and inclusion: Welcoming all backgrounds and perspectives
Student Achievements
Awards and Honors
- 2024: Vithika Goyal - Hui Fellowship
- 2024: Walker Meyer - Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholar
- 2023: Micah Woods - Robert D. Clark Award for thesis in philosophy of biology
- 2020: Emily Niebergall - Goldwater Scholarship
- Multiple students received NSF GRFP, NIH Training Grants, and NSF DDIG awards
Student Publications
Many lab members have been lead authors on publications: - See our Publications page for papers with student first authors
Training Opportunities
Graduate Program
The University of Oregon offers excellent graduate training in: - Biology Graduate Program - Bioinformatics and Genomics Training Program - Data Science Initiative - Knight Campus Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Research
We regularly host undergraduate researchers through: - CURE Programs: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences - Summer REU: NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates - Honors Thesis Projects: Year-long independent research projects - Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars: Funded research positions - Work-Study Positions: Part-time research assistant positions
Postdoctoral Training
Postdocs in our lab receive training in: - Grant writing and funding strategies - Teaching and mentoring - Project management - Career development for academia and industry
Outreach and K-12 Education
Science Outreach Programs
- Oregon Science Olympiad: Volunteer judges and workshop leaders
- SPICE Program: Summer Program to Inspire Creativity in Engineering
- Darwin Day: Annual public lecture series on evolution
School Visits
Lab members regularly visit local schools to: - Present hands-on science activities - Discuss careers in science - Mentor high school science fair projects
Resources for Students
For information about research opportunities, fellowship applications, and career development resources, please contact wcresko@uoregon.edu.
Teaching Timeline
Academic Milestones
- 2024-present: Teaching transitioned to Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
- 2012-2019: Founded and directed Bioinformatics and Genomics Masters Program
- 2005-present: Regular instructor for undergraduate and graduate courses
- Sabbaticals: 2012-2013, 2023-2024
- Reduced teaching: 2013-2023 (Administrative duties as AVP Research and Data Science Executive Director)
Contact
For questions about courses or training opportunities:
Dr. William Cresko
📧 wcresko@uoregon.edu
📍 Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-3 PM (312 Pacific Hall)