# Data Detectives: Using Real Data to Solve Real Community Health Problems

> **NIH NIH R25** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $270,000

## Abstract

Abstract
Data sciences represent key advances for multiple areas of discovery in science and health. However, despite
such vast innovations in data science, as is the case with other STEM fields, key groups are significantly under-
represented in the current and projected workforce, particularly female and under-represented minority groups
(Hispanic or Black). In addition, individuals from rural communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds are
less likely to pursue STEM careers and study data sciences. We hypothesize that providing students with a
curriculum focused on using population-level Big Data for community health needs assessment, planning,
analysis, evaluation, and application will improve students’ understanding of the importance of science and Big
Data beyond the laboratory or classroom. We envision such a program will engage students by making science
more applicable. To address the gaps in the literature and the lack of practical tools to teach students how to
both use and apply population-based Big Data, we will pursue the following Specific Aims for our new SEPA
program, Data Detectives: Using Real Data to Solve Real Community Health Problems: 1) to implement a
novel, problem-based, experiential learning curriculum to teach under-represented middle school students
science and mathematics content and data science principles with direct application to community-based health
issues; 2) to conduct a robust evaluation of the program with measures of student knowledge, attitudes, self-
efficacy, and pursuit of future STEM careers; and 3) to prepare for broad dissemination of the curriculum
throughout Georgia and the US. This program will provide the foundation for K-12 students to use real data to
solve real problems focusing on improving health outcomes for communities. The proposed SEPA program
meets three NIGMS priority areas: A) teaching students to use Big Data instills needed computational and
quantitative skills; B) the curriculum demonstrates applicability to the real world by using problem-based learning
(PBL) to challenge students to solve real community-level heath problems using real population-based data; and
C) the program follows a robust mixed methods evaluation plan to measure both quantitative and qualitative
outcomes. The Research Education Program plan addresses the three Specific Aims and includes rationale for
adaptation of the Problem-Based Learning model; a detailed curriculum aligned with MS NGSS; clear
identification of population-based datasets to be used; explicit examples of PBL scenarios; a thorough diversity
recruitment plan with access to a large, diverse student applicant pool; and clear input from expert community
partners and evaluation experts. The Dissemination Plan will share the curriculum and materials across Georgia
and the U.S. The ability to evaluate this curriculum in a cohort of middle school students, to measure its effect
on potential for future STEM careers, and then ultimately dissemin...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10450211
- **Project number:** 1R25GM146271-01
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** THERESA W GILLESPIE
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $270,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10450211

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10450211, Data Detectives: Using Real Data to Solve Real Community Health Problems (1R25GM146271-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10450211. Licensed CC0.

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