2023 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting Digital Edition: Poster Gallery-UNC EDGE Genomics: A New Undergraduate Training Program to Increase Inclusion in the Genomics Workforce

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The Educational pathways to increase Diversity in Genomics (EDGE Genomics) program at UNC Chapel Hill is a newly funded initiative aimed at increasing diversity in the genomics research workforce. The program provides training, mentoring, and career education to undergraduate students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in genomics. The current lack of diversity in the genomics workforce does not reflect the diversity of the US population, highlighting the need for programs like EDGE Genomics.<br /><br />The long-term goal of EDGE Genomics is to create opportunities for underrepresented students to enter, persist in, and complete the training pipeline in genomics research. The program targets undergraduate freshmen and sophomores from community colleges and minority-serving institutions. Eligible students must be US citizens or permanent residents, 18 years or older, and belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, have a disability, or come from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background.<br /><br />The EDGE Genomics program consists of a 2-year cohort structure, with the first year focusing on foundational knowledge and the second year focusing on research skills training. Instructional methods include interactive lectures, small group discussions, hands-on assignments, independent reading and writing, mentoring circles, and group presentations.<br /><br />The program was launched in summer 2022, with the first cohort of 21 students completing 67 hours of virtual programming. They are set to come to UNC Chapel Hill for 8 weeks in summer 2023 to work on an independent project with a faculty member and continue their professional development training. Program evaluation conducted by Strategic Evaluations, Inc. showed that the first cohort made statistically significant gains in areas such as critical thinking, scientific writing, oral communication, and a sense of belonging.<br /><br />Feedback from students indicated that EDGE Genomics had a positive impact on their career trajectory and impression of the program. However, there are areas for improvement, such as making stronger connections between ethical, legal, and social implication (ELSI) content and careers and allowing more time for student discussion and practice in writing skills.<br /><br />Overall, EDGE Genomics is an innovative program that aims to increase diversity in the genomics research workforce and provide opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue careers in this field.

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Presenting Author - Sabrina N. Powell, PhD; Co-Author - Grace Byfield, PhD; Co-Author - Kelly Fraidenburg, MA; Co-Author - Terry Furey, PhD; Co-Author - Gail Henderson, PhD; Co-Author - Bradford C. Powell, MD, PhD, FACMG; Co-Author - Dawayne Whittington, MEd; Co-Author - Jonathan S. Berg, MD PhD; Co-Author - Folami Ideraabdullah, PhD;

Meta Tag

Education

Ethical Legal and Social Issues

Co-Author Grace Byfield, PhD

Co-Author Kelly Fraidenburg, MA

Co-Author Terry Furey, PhD

Co-Author Gail Henderson, PhD

Co-Author Bradford C. Powell, MD, PhD, FACMG

Co-Author Dawayne Whittington, MEd

Co-Author Jonathan S. Berg, MD PhD

Co-Author Folami Ideraabdullah, PhD

Presenting Author Sabrina N. Powell, PhD

Keywords

Educational pathways

Diversity in Genomics

EDGE Genomics

UNC Chapel Hill

genomics research workforce

training

mentoring

career education

underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds

undergraduate students