Indiana Genomics Research Training Program for Data Scientists (INGEN4DS)

The Indiana Genomics Research Training Program for Data Scientists (INGEN4DS) will provide rigorous training and hands-on research experience in genomics data analysis to master’s degree students in data science-related fields, with a focus on recruiting individuals with diverse skills that are not well represented in the biomedical research workforce. Each year, up to eight trainees from two research-intensive Indiana University campuses, Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) and Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) will engage in a mentored research experience designed to prepare them for careers or PhD programs in genomics. The program will begin with a one-week orientation, where the scholars will begin building a sense of community amongst themselves through social activities; receive training in laboratory safety, responsible conduct of research, and ethics in genomics research; and meet potential faculty mentors to learn about available research projects. Weeks 2-10 will consist of three-week rotations in three labs chosen by the scholar. Each scholar will then be paired with an interdisciplinary co-mentorship team, consisting of one faculty member in the biomedical sciences who will be responsible for providing a genomics dataset and one faculty member in computational biology who will supervise the bioinformatics analysis. The scholar, under the guidance of the mentors, will develop an appropriate research plan involving genomics data analysis that can be completed within ten months and has a high likelihood of contributing to a publication. Following a needs assessment, individual development plans (IDP) will be prepared by each scholar in consultation with program advisors and the co-mentor team to guide the scholar’s training program. The IDP will be reviewed monthly to assess the scholar’s progress toward their program goals. Professional enrichment activities include practice in scientific writing and both oral and poster presentations. A seminar series featuring invited speakers from academia, industry, and healthcare institutions will highlight possible career opportunities in genomics data science. INGEN4DS scholars will receive stipends for their research efforts during the summer (40 hrs/week), fall and spring semesters (15 hrs/week), and travel funds to attend one scientific conference to present their findings. Additionally, the scholars will receive ongoing support, including individualized advising, career development, and assistance in preparing resumes and applications. In the final month of the program, scholars will prepare a written report and a short oral presentation of their findings. Our expectation is that over 75% of the scholars will secure employment in the genomics workforce or be accepted to a PhD program in Bioinformatics or a Genomics field. Further, we expect that the scholars will have gained real-world experience in large-scale genomics data analysis using advanced data science methodology and computing resources and will have achieved effective communication skills necessary for working in interdisciplinary genomics research groups.