Workforce Development Core

Morehouse School Of Medicine, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Education plays a crucial role in harnessing the full potential of genetic and genomic science to enhance health outcomes. However, it is challenging to attract and retain underrepresented students in biomedical sciences who are interested in genetics and genomics. At Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), we recognize that genomic education and training is a multifaceted process that involves numerous programs, institutes, and agencies. Hence, the Genomics Workforce Development Core (GWDC) collaborates with MSM Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science, MSM Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine, the Atlanta University Center Data Science Initiative, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 23andMe, the Institute for Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Virginia School of Medicine to address this issue. Aligned with NHGRI's Building a Diverse Genomics Workforce Action Agenda, the MSM GWDC is committed to building three signature programs and funding opportunities that prioritize outreach and recruitment based on the principles of "Invest in Representation, Empowerment, and Training." Our overarching goals are to promote representation, empower individuals, and offer comprehensive genomics training opportunities through outreach efforts, education initiatives, and an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals from UR populations. The specific aims of the GWDC include the following: 1). Increase knowledge and understanding of genomics among school-age children and their families, and promote its importance in personal health, scientific discovery, and society via our new initiative GenoSquad; 2). Enhance the academic preparedness and genomic research skills of underrepresented undergraduate students in our new GenoProdigy Scholar Pathway Program and 3) Establish a comprehensive GenoRising Scholar training program to support the education and training of postdoctoral researchers in genomics, including predoctoral and medical students. These programs will provide courses, seminars, workshops, and experiential training for UR undergraduates, predoctoral students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows. These programs will provide courses, seminars, workshops, and experiential training for UR K-12 students, their parents/caregivers, undergraduates, predoctoral students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows and trainees. With the help of our partners, the DCGR Administrative Core, Community Engagement Core, and the Research Projects, each of these programs will be devised in a way that recognizes the key obstacles faced by UR individuals and help them overcome these obstacles through innovative, academic, and nonacademic strategies.