Training Grant in Genomic Analysis and Interpretation

Project Summary/Abstract
Modern genome projects have dramatically increased the amount of genetic and associated biomedical data
available to researchers. Turning the flood of data generated by rapidly evolving genomic technologies and other
biomedical data sources into actionable knowledge is one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st
Century. It will take a new generation of scientists trained in the biological, mathematical, and computational
sciences to push forward our nation’s genomic agenda. It is also important to prepare a cohort of scientists with
the tools and skills they need to thrive, not only in their research and analytical endeavors, but also in their
careers and lives. Our objective is to continue to train a diverse cohort of students with the research and career
skills needed to thrive in this modern, data-driven era of biomedical research. We anticipate that our trainees will
advance biomedical knowledge and impact public health in ways that we can only dimly foresee.
The GATP is much more than a funding mechanism for our trainees. It is a program with clear research and
career training objectives and approaches. Few universities have the research infrastructure and human
resources to mount a genomic training program of the scope possible at UCLA. The convergence of cutting edge
genomic technologies, world-class computing resources, an outstanding basic and clinical research faculty, and
a highly rated educational institution allows us to attract and train students of the highest caliber.
Our proposed renewal of the Genomic Analysis Training Program will support ten predoctoral trainees per year
from a variety of disciplines. Students will be supported for two years, contingent on sustained progress in the
program and their research. Those who have completed the program will be encouraged to continue to join the
training activities throughout their time at UCLA. The program course curriculum provides a rigorous and
comprehensive foundation in the biological, computational and statistical sciences. The core curriculum includes
courses in molecular biology, human genetics, probability, statistics, bioinformatics, and biomedical ethics. To
help students build successful research careers in the current era of rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary science,
the program also emphasizes training and resources in critical communication, collaboration, and career
development skills. Our diverse training faculty come from multiple UCLA departments and disciplines; all have
strong records in both research, and mentoring students. In this renewal we have undertaken a comprehensive
evaluation of the program, using feedback from our trainees, advances in scientific knowledge, and applicable
education theory. Based on this evaluation, we have revised the program to improve the overall quality of the
training experience. We believe this will allow us to continue to produce excellent trainees who leave the program
with the knowledge and skills to pursue and support independent research careers, and train and mentor the
next generation of scientists. Our trainees will make a substantial impact on biomedical research and the nation’s
health goals for decades to come.

Grant Number: 5T32HG002536-24
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Valerie Arboleda