# Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics

> **NIH NIH T32** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $604,295

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The Johns Hopkins Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics (HG) has long been a nationally
preeminent training environment for human genetic research. It has grown steadily since its inception (1980) in
parallel to the explosive growth of genetics and genomics, and their application to medicine. Although supported
by preceptor faculty across 20 diverse departments, the HG has its administrative and philosophical home in the
McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine (DGM). Eighty faculty mentors engage in training our current
cohort of sixty-one students. The preceptors’ research includes human and model organism genetics and
genomics, study of genes and variants underlying human monogenic disorders and complex traits, quantitative
genetics, gene therapy, oncogenetics, stem cells, technology development, big data and machine learning.
 An average of 12 students graduate each year and obtain their PhD in 5.3 years (average). The objectives
of the HG program are: (1) to provide a biomedical curriculum with breadth and depth; (2) to ensure an
understanding of the fundamental roles of genetic variation in human biology, diversity, and disease; (3) to
provide robust training in rigorous, reproducible, responsible, and ethical research; (4) to equip our trainees with
relevant professional skills and the opportunity to explore career options; and (5) to recruit and foster a diverse
and inclusive training environment for all. In the first year, we introduce students to the evolving concepts of the
gene, molecular biology, genomics, cell structure and dynamics, pathways and regulation, extending deeper with
advanced topics in human genetics. We introduce a new computational bootcamp to provide fundamental
computational and statistical skills, a theme that is iterated throughout their courses. In their second year we
have developed two highly innovative courses: Systems, Genes and Mechanisms in Disease and Genomic
Technologies Applications and Considerations. The courses integrate didactic presentation with student-led
seminars, team-based problem solving and discussion, placing their genetic training in a human biological and
pathological context and equipping them for the design and implementation of contemporary genomic
experimental strategies. We provide training in rigorous and ethical experimental design and implementation,
and career planning and professional development through workshops, internship opportunities and required
courses. Our preceptors receive mentoring training; are appropriately mentored; and they are accountable.
 The overall goal of our HG program is to educate the next generation of leaders in human genetics. We
seek to train independent scientists who are passionately curious about the role that genetic variation plays in
the human condition. This education prepares our students to answer important basic science questions and to
translate this information into bio-medical advances. The success of our g...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10843041
- **Project number:** 5T32GM148383-02
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kimberly F Doheny
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $604,295
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10843041

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10843041, Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics (5T32GM148383-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10843041. Licensed CC0.

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