# Workforce Development Core

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY · 2024 · $212,484

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Diversifying the genomics workforce is recognized as a strategic imperative if all people are to benefit from recent
and anticipated advances in genomic science and precision medicine. The Workforce Development Core will
be focused on expanding the cadre of individuals with expert knowledge and skills in human genomics and on
fostering genomic literacy among the general public, especially among Mexican Americans. The Core will
advance the career development of minority scientists and trainees in genomic research, helping to address the
broad national need for more scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical research. The
Workforce Development Core will leverage two highly innovative research projects to provide genomics training
and research experiences to students, postdocs, residents, and faculty from across the University. We will
actively seek faculty trainees from outside biology and biomedical sciences by working with the College of
Education and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The Workforce Development Core will have
work to improve genomic literacy and enhance interest in genomics and careers in genomics through training
targeted to K-12 educators and healthcare providers. Working closely with the College of Education, we propose
to offer innovative short-courses in genomics, genomics research experiences, and dissertation or thesis support
to graduate students in education and teachers in local school districts. We will provide genomics-oriented
research career enhancement opportunities through creation of a Genomic Research Success Program that will
provide training in grantsmanship and dissemination of research results. Additionally, we will foster synergy with
other existing institutional and national career development activities. Finally, we will establish a mentoring
program to foster the growth of research in human genetics and genomics through one-on-one mentoring and
guidance in genomic research. Working with local school districts, we will participate in career days and other
activities to promote awareness of careers in genetics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930965
- **Project number:** 5U54HG013247-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
- **Principal Investigator:** SARAH A. WILLIAMS-BLANGERO
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $212,484
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-18 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930965

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930965, Workforce Development Core (5U54HG013247-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930965. Licensed CC0.

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