Educational Pathways to increase Diversity in Genomics (EDGE) at UNC Chapel Hill

ABSTRACT The lack of diversity in the United States genomics workforce is a critical multifaceted issue that highlights disparities for underrepresented people in access to training, job acquisition, and healthcare. We propose Educational Pathways to increase Diversity in Genomics at UNC Chapel Hill (UNC EDGE) to help address this problem by developing and implementing a new sustainable undergraduate training program in genomics. The primary aims for UNC EDGE are to (1) expose early career freshmen and sophomores to the breadth of careers available in basic genome sciences, genomic medicine, and genomics and society; (2) provide the foundational research skills & knowledgebase required to make an informed career decision; and (3) help students develop a supportive multi-tiered community mentoring framework to guide their career trajectory. Our central objective is to provide students with the tools, knowledge, and support to build self-efficacy and informed decision making required for sustainable advancement in a career in genomics. North Carolina (NC) has a high level of ethnic diversity [10.1 million people, ~33% from underrepresented communities], a large proportion of rural regions (80%), a low rate of completion of higher education among underrepresented groups (14-20%), and increasing disparities in health and healthcare. NC is also home to a burgeoning biotechnology enterprise and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), a global leader in genomics research and Precision Medicine. Both entities have historically low proportions of people from underrepresented, underserved, and disadvantaged backgrounds working in genomics. Over the course of this 5-year project, UNC EDGE will use a tailored curriculum to bridge the gap between the stellar genomics research environment at UNC and underrepresented (UR) undergrads from surrounding NC communities, as well as students across the United States. Our primary objective for long-term outcomes is to increase the number of these UR students that choose and are stably retained in a genomics research career. This will increase access to lucrative job opportunities in academia and biotechnology, and increase inclusion and innovation in research & healthcare. In addition, increasing entry of well-trained underrepresented professionals into the genomics workforce gives them the opportunity to become stakeholders in the research and healthcare decisions that affect their community; an outcome that we hope will ultimately help improve disparities in healthcare as genomics becomes a greater consideration in Precision Medicine.