Program Manager, Genomics Education & Experiential Learning The Jackson Laboratory Farmington, Connecticut, United States
Program Abstract: To broaden participation in biomedicine, The Genomic Education Team at The Jackson Laboratory designed a two-week, virtual short course in cancer genomics. Each summer undergraduates from across the country enroll to learn foundational concepts in cancer genomics and to gain valuable exposure to a range of careers in the field. As we have scaled the class from an initial pilot in 2021 with 32 students, we created tiered levels of engagement. Now, in 2024, we have enrolled over 300 students primarily from minority-serving institutions. The course format with a mix of synchronous and interactive asynchronous activities, offers flexibility to accommodate students who work or are otherwise unable to participate in mentored research away from their home institution. At the highest level of engagement, in addition to one-hour live sessions in which students learn content and interact with researchers and clinicians, course participants collaborate in small groups on an inquiry project.
