Increasing Diversity in Genomics for the Next generation (IDGeNe)

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Summary This proposal, entitled Increasing Diversity in Genomics for the Next generation (IDGeNe), is a proposal from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus in response to the NIH-GREAT call for proposals. The long-term goal of the IDGeNe program is to increase the diversity of the Genomic field workforce by establishing a cohort of interested students that will receive academic and professional training in genomic-related research. The program will benefit a student population over 95% Hispanics of different gender, race, social status and physical needs. The core of the program is a comprehensive research experience for undergraduate students and a series of activities that will reinforce students identity as researchers and prepared them for graduate work. The training program consists of two major components: with (1) a “hands-on” in depth research experience and (2) a series of activities aimed at developing not only their research potential but also the professional tools needed to succeed in future careers. A cohort of 8 undergraduate students from UPR-Rio Piedras will be recruited annually for a 2-year internship in the program. Students will receive in-house training in professional development during the first summer via courses, workshops and other activities. During the two years in the program, students will work on a project in genomic research in the laboratory of one of the local mentors while participating in seminars and workshops and professional development activities. Students will also undergo a 8-10 week summer research experience at some of the top-mainland institutions, including: Univ. Pittsburgh, Univ. Wisconsin, UC Santa Cruz, UT Southwestern, UC San Francisco and Harvard University. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared to continue their education in MS or PhD programs, enter fields of interest, such as Genomic Medicine or Public Health or integrate directly into the Genomics workforce. The program takes advantage of the strong expertise in genomics and genomic-related fields among the UPR faculty. Twenty-two UPR faculty whose research involves genomics/bioinformatics will participate as possible mentors in the Program. Collectively these faculty members have mentored hundreds of undergraduate students in their labs and have vast experience to implement and carry forward a highly successful research and mentoring program. Dr. Jose E. Garcia-Arraras a Professor from the Biology department whose research involves the genomics of organ regeneration will be the P.I. He will be assisted by Dr. Humberto Ortiz-Zuazaga (co-P.I.) an expert in computer-based genome analyses and by collaborators that will strengthen the areas of Statistics, Data Science and Mentoring. This proposal builds upon the experiences gathered in different programs by the UPR and its faculty, to enhance and strengthen the mentoring and training activities of Under Represented Minority students to make them competitive for graduate school and beyond.