University of Utah Genetics Training Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The proposed Genetics Training Program (UGTP) at the University of Utah (UofU) will provide in-depth training in Genetics for a diverse group of 12 predoctoral students, arming them with scientific and professional knowledge and skills needed to conduct independent and rigorous research and become leaders within the biomedical research workforce. The U of U has a well-established, successful graduate training effort in genetics research, including a long-running Genetics T32 (45 years). The proposed new UGTP is an intensive two-year program of training in quantitative analysis, rigorous and transparent experimental practices, professional skills, the ethical practice of science, mentorship, and equity/inclusivity. These foundational objectives support the development of future multi-dimensional leaders and mentors in genetics research. The UGTP engages trainees at a formative stage of their career, in their 2nd and 3rd years of graduate school. Benefits of the program extend both before and after the intensive two-year training period. Completion of a pre-requisite first year graduate curriculum covering basic transmission genetics, ethical practices in research, critical thinking, hypothesis development, and understanding of rigor and reproducibility is required for the UGTP. Students who successfully pass a Capstone Exam administered at the end of Year 1, assessing trainee potential for independent research and rigor in scientific analysis and experimental thinking, are eligible for the UGTP. Each year about 12% of the approximately 50 TGE students are selected to become trainees. Trainees convene year-round in a suite of enriching activities. The central feature of the Training Program is a seminar course led by the PDs, limited to trainees, in which the students i) present research, critically evaluate progress, and discuss scientific best practices; undertake continued training in ii) RCR and iii) rigor, transparency, and reproducibility; participate in workshops on iv) professional development, v) mentoring; and vi) recognizing and responding to biased behaviors. Trainees present their research progress annually before the entire UofU Genetics community and select and host visiting genetics speakers throughout the year. Three advanced courses in quantitative and genetics analyses provide a breadth of training in the field of Genetics. The UGTP provides continuous mentorship in research and professional development: trainees develop IDPs with the Program Directors, adopt an extra mentor from the UGTP Steering Committee who provides guidance and communication with the UGTP, and participate in events aimed at career development and building an inclusive community. Following two years of UGTP-supported research with one of 61 UGTP faculty, trainees remain engaged through a novel initiative of near-peer mentorship, a program feature that supports the scientific and cultural development and mentoring skills of our trainees. The UGTP engages the entire UofU genetics community year-round through external speakers, Concepts in Genetics Seminars, and an Annual Retreat featuring trainee talks, plenary speakers, and poster presentations from the UofU genetics community.