# Building Accessible and Inclusive Paths for Students in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $134,323

## Abstract

It is estimated that up to 22 out of every 1,000 (2.2%) individuals in the United States are Deaf and Hard of
Hearing (DHH). Unfortunately, DHH persons are highly underrepresented in the research community, making
up less than 1% of Doctorate recipients. Moreover, only 40% of DHH adults who earned doctorates did so in
the life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering compared to 78% of hearing individuals. We can find no
data on the number of DHH individuals who have obtained PhDs in biomedical informatics. We believe that
DHH are among the most underrepresented groups in the field. To address this disparity, the University of
Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Gallaudet University (GU) will partner to create the Accessible and Inclusive Biomedical
Informatics and Data Science (AIBIDS) program which is unique for its focus on empowering both DHH
students and persons from other underrepresented groups in the sciences to lead biomedical informatics and
data science research. AIBIDS is a partnership between the Pitt Department of Biomedical Informatics
Training Program, founded in 1987 and one of the strongest biomedical informatics PhD training programs in
the country, and the GU Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health (STAMP)
program, which has been producing world-class STEM baccalaureate graduates who are DHH since 1864.
The program has two separate sites to broaden the research and mentoring opportunities for all students. By
creating a cohesive program that allows students to either site, regardless of hearing status (GU is a bilingual
ASL-English campus), the AIBIDS program will increase the inclusion and accessibility of biomedical
informatics and data science research. Specific Aim 1: Provide authentic, accessible, and inclusive mentored
research internships with experienced faculty and near-peer mentors to a highly diverse group of
undergraduate and Masters level students. Specific Aim 2: Refine and develop curricula to support the
academic, scientific, and professional development of students throughout the summer through continuous
engagement. We hypothesize that the AIBIDS program will empower both DHH students and persons from
other underrepresented groups in the sciences to seek PhDs in biomedical informatics and data science
where they will drive the next generation of research questions and lead advances that benefit human health.
The AIBIDS program will apply rigorous evaluation methods to measure the progress of participating students
towards advanced biomedical informatics careers in industry and academia. The program will also measure
and track participating students’ perception of the program’s inclusiveness, the accessibility of mentoring and
educational activities, and the cultural awareness of faculty.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10915691
- **Project number:** 5R25LM014208-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Gaurav Sureshkumar Arora
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $134,323
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-15 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10915691

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10915691, Building Accessible and Inclusive Paths for Students in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (5R25LM014208-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10915691. Licensed CC0.

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