Building Accessible and Inclusive Paths for Students in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

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It is estimated that up to 22 out of every 1,000 (2.2%) individuals in the United States are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH). Unfortunately, DHH persons are highly underrepresented in the research community, making up less than 1% of Doctorate recipients. Moreover, only 40% of DHH adults who earned doctorates did so in the life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering compared to 78% of hearing individuals. We can find no data on the number of DHH individuals who have obtained PhDs in biomedical informatics. We believe that DHH are among the most underrepresented groups in the field. To address this disparity, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Gallaudet University (GU) will partner to create the Accessible and Inclusive Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (AIBIDS) program which is unique for its focus on empowering both DHH students and persons from other underrepresented groups in the sciences to lead biomedical informatics and data science research. AIBIDS is a partnership between the Pitt Department of Biomedical Informatics Training Program, founded in 1987 and one of the strongest biomedical informatics PhD training programs in the country, and the GU Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health (STAMP) program, which has been producing world-class STEM baccalaureate graduates who are DHH since 1864. The program has two separate sites to broaden the research and mentoring opportunities for all students. By creating a cohesive program that allows students to either site, regardless of hearing status (GU is a bilingual ASL-English campus), the AIBIDS program will increase the inclusion and accessibility of biomedical informatics and data science research. Specific Aim 1: Provide authentic, accessible, and inclusive mentored research internships with experienced faculty and near-peer mentors to a highly diverse group of undergraduate and Masters level students. Specific Aim 2: Refine and develop curricula to support the academic, scientific, and professional development of students throughout the summer through continuous engagement. We hypothesize that the AIBIDS program will empower both DHH students and persons from other underrepresented groups in the sciences to seek PhDs in biomedical informatics and data science where they will drive the next generation of research questions and lead advances that benefit human health. The AIBIDS program will apply rigorous evaluation methods to measure the progress of participating students towards advanced biomedical informatics careers in industry and academia. The program will also measure and track participating students’ perception of the program’s inclusiveness, the accessibility of mentoring and educational activities, and the cultural awareness of faculty.