Pathways in Genomic Data Science (PATH-GDS)

Summary Individuals trained in both data science and genomics are essential to fully realizing the plethora of data at the intersection of genomics and biomedicine. Additionally, diversity in the genomics workforce is necessary to support creativity, the study of conditions in underrepresented groups, and ensure that research performed is generalizable and beneficial to all people. Here, we propose the Pathways in Genomic Data Science (PATH-GDS) research experience program for MS Statistics and MS Applied Mathematics students within the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). CU Denver is uniquely positioned with two campuses: the Downtown Campus with undergraduate programs and close proximity to diverse recruiting institutions, and the Anschutz Medical Campus with world renowned biomedical and human genomics research. In PATH-GDS we will: (1) recruit scholars from diverse groups underrepresented in biomedical and genomics research; (2) train quantitative MS students from diverse backgrounds in genomics research and career skills; and (3) create, support, and retain a diverse data science genomics community. In doing so, we will build and support a diverse data science genomics community within Colorado, the Mountain West, and beyond.