T32 Predoctoral Training Grant in Genetics

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This is an application for T32 funding to support predoctoral training in genetics at the University of Georgia. The award will replace the current T32 program, which has successfully trained students for 45 years. The Genetics Training Program (GTP) seeks to (i) help a diverse cohort of students develop the research and professional skills to become leaders in the biomedical workforce, and (ii) to create a supportive training environment where all students have the potential to succeed. To this end, our program of study provides graduate training across a broad range of modern genetics subdisciplines, coupled with professional development and career awareness. Foundational to our training goals, our program strives to maintain a training environment that is welcoming and inclusive, and to prioritize the holistic development of both trainees and their mentors. The 51 trainers come from 10 departments and span the breadth of genetics research. Trainers are committed to mentoring and to providing a supportive and inclusive training environment, and the program has mechanisms in place to support trainers as they continue to develop their own mentoring skills. GTP students enter UGA through one of two umbrella programs that employ a holistic admissions process. During the first semester, coursework and laboratory rotations within these programs help students develop the skills needed for success in graduate school. Students who choose GTP trainers for thesis research then become part of the GTP community and are eligible to apply for traineeships. We request funding for 10 traineeships per year. Traineeships are awarded during a student’s second and/or third year of graduate school, with a duration of one year and the possibility of renewal. The GTP core curriculum is required for trainees and is open to all students in GTP trainer laboratories. This curriculum includes training in genetic methods and analyses, quantitative and analytical skills, and oral and written communication. Courses emphasize cohort-building and use active learning strategies, and skills are mastered through iterative practice. The importance of rigor and transparency, and of responsible conduct in research, are introduced in specialized foundational classes and then reinforced through integration into subsequent coursework and thesis research. Professional development opportunities expose students to the diverse career options available to them and help students gain the skills and networking opportunities needed to access these positions. Student progress is monitored through regular assessment, and students are guided toward increasing research independence through active mentoring. Students graduate with advanced genetics knowledge, strong analytical and communication skills, and the confidence to lead and succeed in the biomedical workforce. We will track student outcomes and use program assessments to advance evidence- based innovations in mentoring, training, and diversity efforts within our program. We will also share our successes to catalyze positive changes in graduate education across the life sciences at UGA.