Idaho INBRE Data Science Core

University Of Idaho, Moscow ID

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Data Science Core (DSC) Component The Idaho INBRE-5 Data Science Core (DSC) integrates cyberinfrastructure tools and resources, bioinformatics/biostatistical consulting, and data science training. The DSC will support INBRE-funded computationally intensive research. DSC facilities are physically located at the UI, ISU, and BSU and open to all INBRE Network institutions. At the UI, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science (IIDS) includes a Research Computing and Data Services Core and a Genomics and Bioinformatics Resources Core. At BSU, the Biomolecular Research Center (BRC) specializes in proteomics and metabolomics, protein-protein molecular interactions, and imaging. At ISU, the Molecular Research Core Facility (MRCF) includes DNA and RNA sequencing, advanced imaging, and flow cytometry. KA Cornell will serve as the DSC Director, a position he is well-qualified for and has successfully held since 2017. He has strong administrative experience and has a research program with ongoing consistent funding from the NIH and other federal agencies. From 2019 through 2022, the DSC was used >3,600 times by faculty and students, often funded by INBRE Technology Access Grants (TAGs). This was a greater than 2-fold increase in Core use compared to INBRE-3 and this use was almost exclusively by PUIs. Director Cornell will lead a DSC Team consisting of institutional Liaisons, External Advisors, and Subject Matter Experts who will provide multiple approaches to familiarize investigators and students with data science tools and resources. Plans to familiarize researchers and students with data science tools and resources will include TAGs to support scientifically meritorious projects involving data-rich technologies. The DSC Team will develop and provide training workshops and seminars to teach data science computational/programming skills for biomedical research. Content sources will include NIGMS, STRIDES initiative, Google, and local/regional/national experts. Also, data science training will be integrated into the summer undergraduate research programs. The DSC will partner with the Northwest Knowledge Network (through the IIDS) for high bandwidth networking and secure data storage and management. The DSC will share established programs and infrastructure through a Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) with all seven Western IDeA states. Highlighted in the DSC is Idaho’s ability to prepare students for technical careers as bioinformaticians. An INBRE PUI, LCSC, offers an INBRE-initiated BA/BS in Bioinformatics. The INBRE lead institution, UI, offers the INBRE-initiated M.S./Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and a new Certificate in Data Science. These Idaho educational programs are open across the state and will be offered to students regionally through RAIN. These collaborations will reduce redundancies, increase interdisciplinary Core use, increase research collaborations among faculty, and broaden data science research and education opportunities for students.