University of Washington Genomics Research Training for Data Scientists

Project Summary In support of the NHGRI Strategic Plan to Diversify the Genomics Workforce, we propose the University of Washington Genomics Training for Data Scientists program (UW-GRTDS). This interdisciplinary program provides masters students in data science from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds with paid research experiences in genomics research laboratories at UW. During their research experience, students will receive mentorship from their genomics research faculty mentor, a data science faculty mentor, the UW-GRTDS Program Manager, and the Genome Sciences trainee community. UW-GRTDS students will be welcomed into the genomics training environment by participating in career development and networking events with other graduate students from URM backgrounds. The long-term objective of this program is to create a more inclusive environment for URM data scientists in order to encourage them to pursue careers in genomics research. Throughout this program we will identify and share strategies to enhance and support similar programs in order to serve the formation of a more diverse genomics workforce.