Developing an innovative genomic data science curriculum: interdisciplinary modules for undergraduate education - nofo: RFA-HG-23-002 title: developing an innovative genomic data science curriculum:…

This federal Cooperative Agreement award from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), under the Human Genome Research program (CFDA 93.172), provides $133,563 to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RFCUNY) to develop an innovative genomic data science curriculum for undergraduate education. The project aims to integrate computational genomic data science (CGDS) instruction into life science curricula at the community college level, addressing the lack of CGDS training for faculty and students. The proposed two-course sequence will leverage cloud computing resources and incorporate a peer-led team learning model to engage community college students in CGDS research and provide opportunities to earn CGDS microcredentials. The project also aims to cultivate interdisciplinary mentored student research projects between community colleges and four-year institutions, and increase participation in CGDS research by underrepresented STEM students. The award period runs from September 18, 2024, to August 31, 2027.

Developing an innovative genomic data science curriculum: interdisciplinary modules for undergraduate education - nofo: RFA-HG-23-002 title: developing an innovative genomic data science curriculum: interdisciplinary modules for undergraduate education project abstract computational genomic data science (CGDS) combines aspects of genetics, statistics, and informatics and is becoming increasingly important in biological research. However, CGDS instruction is rarely integrated into life science curricula at the undergraduate level and is essentially non-existent at the community college level, predominantly due to lack of faculty training. An additional barrier at the community college level is lack of access to data sets suitable for CGDS curriculum development. Leveraging cloud computing resources, like those in available through the genomic data science community network (GDSCN) and the all of US research workbench, we propose an interdisciplinary study integrating CGDS and social determinants of health that would provide a sustainable educational pathway to a mentored student research project for community college students. We propose a two-course sequence of community college biology courses with embedded CGDS curricula that prepares students for cdgs research or future CGDS studies. Contextualizing the curriculum to genetic studies of social determinants of health adds a real-life context to the work while giving students the opportunity to contribute to broader scientific knowledge. Using a peer-led team learning model supports engagement, retention and success for both students and peer leaders, while providing cdgs leadership experience for peer leaders. The program supports research and innovation by: 1) engaging community college students in innovative cdgs research curricular undergraduate research experiences using anvil with the opportunity to earn CGDS microcredentials , 2) cultivating interdisciplinary mentored student research projects among community college and four-year college that can serve as a bridge to bachelor's degree research, and 3) increasing the participation in CGDS research by students underrepresented in stem, resulting in participants being CO-authors on publications and presenters at scientific conferences.