Genetic Mechanisms and Evolution

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Recent technological advances have transformed genetics research, and social changes have caused major shifts in best practices for graduate education, research training, and mentoring. We propose an innovative interdisciplinary predoctoral T32 program, Genetic Mechanisms and Evolution (GME), which is specifically crafted to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by these changes. The GME program will train a diverse group of world-class Ph.D. scientists in molecular, statistical, and evolutionary genetics research who will serve as the next generation of innovative scientific leaders in genetics. Training will ensure development of multidisciplinary competence across these fields, with a strong foundation in quantitative and computational analysis for every student. The GME training program leverages the world-class strength of the University of Chicago in genetics. Mentors include 56 faculty with extraordinary records of research and graduate training, drawn from 14 departments across the fields of evolutionary, statistical, and molecular genetics. Further, the University’s unique organizational structure brings all areas of genetics into a single division and makes possible the interdisciplinary program we propose. Trainees for 18 funded positions will be selectively drawn from 9 graduate programs across disciplinary areas. The pool of potential trainees is extraordinarily well-qualified and diverse (49% women and 26% URM over the last 5 years). Trainees will be funded in years 2-3 of their studies, but they will participate in training and advising activities from matriculation through graduation. A new interdisciplinary core course and breadth requirements will develop student foundations in molecular, statistical, and evolutionary genetics and build strong skills in programming and statistics. Specialized workshops and an annual hackathon will provide further rigorous training in computational and quantitative analysis of modern genetic data. Formal writing instruction along with workshops in grant-writing and oral presentation skills will train scientists for effective communication and help ameliorate disparities in preparation among students from diverse backgrounds. Individual development plans, mentor-mentee contracts, faculty mentor training, and peer mentoring will facilitate trainee success and allow growth of a mutually supportive community of faculty and students. Participation in a pioneering career development program will support trainees in finding and preparing for a variety of post-PhD career paths. Recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse group of students will be further strengthened by participating in pipeline and outreach programs, bridge activities for new students, and faculty training to enhance the inclusivity of the training environment and admissions process. All these activities -- building on the strengths of an exceptional cadre of trainees, trainers and institutional support – will allow us to recruit and train the future leaders of 21st century genetics research.