Genomics STEP-UP High School Coordinating Center Region A; Increasing Diversity Through Genomics Research Experiences

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Project Summary/Abstract The project will create a coordinating center to deliver mentoring and research experiences in STEM for high school students from groups historically excluded in the sciences (e.g., ethnic and gender minorities, rural students, economically disadvantaged) across Department of Health & Human Services Region A. This will be done by training mentors (from minority serving and predominantly undergraduate institutions, as well as state schools) in advanced genomics techniques and inclusive pedagogy. Mentors from across the region will be trained and equipped by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center to bring advanced genomics into their mentoring and teaching. An extensive outreach effort will select high school students to be paired with regional mentors for an eight-week summer research experience, concluding with a research symposium presentation at NIH. Students will then continue into an extended nine-month mentoring program where they will continue their research work, data science skill building, and exposure to STEM career opportunities, especially in genomics areas relevant to NIKDD mission areas. Ultimately, a sustainable network of mentors and students will create new, inclusive opportunities that diversify the nation’s STEM workforce.