# Modernizing biology curricula by developing accessible genomic data science miniCUREs for the AnVIL platform

> **NIH NIH UE5** · NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $451,560

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
We propose to develop two short-format, introductory, modular, Course-based Undergraduate Research
Experiences (miniCUREs), and deliver this computational genomics and data science (CGDS) curriculum to a
broad cross-section of undergraduate students. Our RNA-seq miniCURE has been taken by over 500
students across two institutions and provides a robust mechanism to bring computational research experiences
to first year undergraduates nationwide. Building upon our existing RNA-seq miniCURE we plan to enrich and
expand its content by introducing new datasets and integrating the materials onto the NHGRI Genomic Data
Science Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-Space, or AnVIL. In parallel, we will develop a new
miniCURE that analyzes the impact of human gut microbiome manipulation and its impact on the host. Our
success will introduce expertise for faculty/instructors and broaden the exposure and use of CGDS material by
currently underserved students at community colleges, minority serving institutions, tribal colleges, and under-
resourced institutions. Specifically, we will: 1) Enhance the RNA-seq miniCURE with the AnVIL platform, 2)
Develop an AnVIL-based human microbiome metagenomics miniCURE, and 3) Broaden miniCURE adoption
across institutions. The modular miniCURE materials can be delivered in a range of formats from in-person or
hybrid short courses, asynchronously, and the potential for massive online open courses. All framework,
content, and pedagogy developed by our team will be open source and made accessible to the broadest
possible audience by leveraging our existing expertise in online and scalable in-person education and
bioinformatics platforms. Together, dissemination of these AnVIL miniCUREs will enable more diverse
educational institutions to provide their students with hands-on research experiences in genomics, enhancing
computational skills, and preparing the next generation of genomics researchers and professionals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10983250
- **Project number:** 1UE5HG013799-01
- **Recipient organization:** NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rosa Maria Alcazar
- **Activity code:** UE5 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $451,560
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-24 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10983250

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10983250, Modernizing biology curricula by developing accessible genomic data science miniCUREs for the AnVIL platform (1UE5HG013799-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10983250. Licensed CC0.

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