Critical Analysis of Data-Rich Networks for Biomedical Scientists in Training.

Advanced high-throughput technologies have transformed biomedical research into a data-intensive discipline, in which the rate of data collection and the complexity of data sets have exceeded the ability of classically trained scientists to extract and assimilate meaningful information. Today, This proposal is motivated by the need to build this critical workforce of biologists armed with cross-disciplinary training in computational, quantitative and analytical realms to harness the power of ‘Big Data’ in biomedical sciences and recognition that demand for these trained scientists represents a unique opportunity to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. This training program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will be administered by the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, a campus leader in medical and graduate teaching that hosts key faculty serving as directors for data-rich core facilities such as next- generation sequencing, bioinformatics and systems biology, and research information technology. The proposed two-year training program derives from the natural synergy of this in-house expertise with two department sponsored pre-doctoral graduate programs in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology (MGCB) that focuses on biological and disease mechanisms using high-throughput -omics approaches and Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (BISB), which emphasizes on novel algorithm development and computational and statistical training to advance design and analysis of big data experiments. The proposed program requests funding for three pre-doctoral traineeships in the first year and six in the subsequent years with a two-year trainee rotation. Participants will be selected concurrent with application to UNMC graduate programs and matriculating students will receive training from preceptors representing 38 laboratories in 14 basic science and clinical departments at UNMC and our sister campus, University of Nebraska Omaha. Trainees will take courses in bioinformatics, statistical analysis, biological networks, and research design and scientific thinking to provide a common skill set and language for interdisciplinary research. Workshops, seminars, and a team- based project will develop essential skills for collaborating in a ‘Big Data’ world and presenting analyses of complex data sets to diverse audiences as well as promote a sense of belonging, a key factor in achievement and retention of underrepresented minority students. The program directors are counseled by an internal advisory committee composed of faculty with experience in student mentoring and directing training programs, and a team of external advisors with experience developing T32 and other training programs. Collectively, this hierarchy of advisors and mentors will ensure that the program produces the next generation of leaders in ‘Big Data’ biomedical research, which are essential to workforce development in Nebraska and the surrounding region that include several IDeA states.