JAX Diversity Action Plan (DAP) Post-Baccalaureate Program in Genomics (gDAP)

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Diversity Action Plan (DAP) post-baccalaureate program in genomics is to provide a transformative, mentored research experience for individuals from underrepresented groups with an emphasis on trainees whose goals are to pursue advanced degrees and careers in genome-related fields. Low participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by individuals from underrepresented groups is a recognized problem nationally (National Academies Press, 2011). Lack of exposure to scientific research resources and mentors, economic factors, and cultural biases are barriers that limit access to quality science education and, in turn, hinder the expansion of our nation's research capacity by limiting contributions from a deep pool of intellectual talent. The program will benefit from JAX's nine decades of success in training scientists at all career stages, including those from underrepresented groups, by its world-leading mouse genetic, genomic, and computational resources, and by its well-funded and productive faculty. The program will build upon programmatic infrastructure for career development and a community of post-bacc peers from an existing post-bacc program at JAX. The genomics DAP will be distinct from the existing post-bacc program as the focus for the proposed program will be specifically on career development for basic research in the areas of genomics, genome technology, and data science. The program will host up to six post-baccalaureate fellows in a year with individuals distributed across the Bar Harbor, Maine and Farmington, Connecticut JAX campuses. The three primary aims for the program will be (1) Provide two-year mentored post-baccalaureate research experiences in genomics, genome technologies, and data science for individuals from underrepresented minority groups; (2) Implement a curriculum that provides knowledge, skills, and training complementary to the mentored laboratory research experience and, (3) Incorporate formal and informal evaluation methods to strengthen the training program. Oversight for the program will be provided by two PIs, one from each campus, and by Program Staff from the JAX Genomic Education team. An Advisory Council comprised of internal and external individuals will evaluate the program's effectiveness and provide guidance on sustaining a research workplace that is inclusive and equitable. The alumni from the post-bacc program will contribute to building a research workforce that is representative of our nation's population. They will bring unique perspectives and individual enterprise to setting and advancing a research agenda in genomics and data science that benefits all people.