Foundational Training in the Use of the Laboratory Mouse as a Model of Human Disease

PROJECT SUMMARY The laboratory mouse, the best genetically defined experimental vertebrate model organism for humans, continues to be the primary animal research model of human disease and is a key tool for the translational hands-on training required to engage in modern scientific research, veterinary science, and clinical settings. However, while many institutions provide access to online training modules, few if any have coordinated, intensive, hands-on training in the laboratory mouse. Moreover, there are unmet needs to lower the barriers to participation in advantageous training by diverse and disadvantaged learner groups, to provide equitable access and, in alignment with stated NIH priorities, to train and diversify the biomedical workforce. To help address this, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) proposes to provide a traveling workshop, entitled Foundational Training in the Use of the Laboratory Mouse as a Model of Human Disease, to be held at partner minority-serving institutions (MSI). This workshop will provide learning and skills development focused on fundamental techniques that are employed across a wide variety of animal research and animal models of human disease. The proposed Aims of the workshop are: (1) To deliver foundational, experiential, training in the use of the laboratory mouse that participants can apply to their research and that will facilitate their career development; and (2) To facilitate engagement, active learning, and skills development by diverse and disadvantaged learners by partnering with MSI to bring hands-on workshops and experiential learning to their institutions. Participants completing this workshop will obtain valuable exposure, perspective, and skills in the use of laboratory mice for biomedical research and as models of human disease and they will learn techniques that they can apply to their research and that will facilitate their career development. JAX is uniquely positioned to execute these traveling workshops: the program will be facilitated by certified and experienced lead instructors from JAX and mobile lab equipment has already been acquired in order to be able to hold this workshop at any partner institution that has basic lab space and a vivarium. Indeed, we have successfully piloted this program at a partner MSI, with highly positive participant feedback. We will offer the proposed program at no cost to the host institutions or to the program participants, making the workshop incredibly accessible and inclusive.