# Diverse Predoctoral Training in Genetics

> **NIH NIH T32** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2020 · $152,670

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Texas A&M University has a long history of training in the genetic sciences, with the first graduate degree having
been awarded in 1919. The first Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) in Genetics was the first IDP established at
Texas A&M in 1983, and has been at the forefront of diversifying not only the trainee pool that will contribute to
a diversified workforce, but is also leading in the preparedness of students for diverse career paths. The Genetics
IDP preceptors have world-renowned research programs providing unique opportunities for trainees to perform
dissertation research in laboratories using cutting-edge technologies that are addressing important and impactful
questions in modern genetics that impact human health and well-being, while also having extensive mentoring
and career development opportunities. This innovative training program aims to be a model for ‘preparing diverse
scientists for a diverse workforce’. The Genetics IDP has developed several initiatives and partnerships that
have resulted in a dramatic increase in diversity of applicants and matriculates to the program. Similar to the
need for a diverse genetics workforce, efforts are needed to diversify preparedness for future workforce needs
and career opportunities. Modern training in genetics and the sub-discipline of genomics not only requires
mastering classical Mendelian and quantitative genetics, but expertise in big data, interpersonal interactions that
is essential for convergence research, and project management that can be applied to diverse career
opportunities. The training program, which will support 4 new trainees each year for 2-year appointments (8
concurrent trainees), is designed to train the next generation of scholar in modern genetics by providing
contemporary skills and exposure to the increasingly broad range of career opportunities that these scholars will
pursue in order to have a profound impact on the future of genetic sciences. The goals of the training program
are to: 1) Provide doctoral students with balanced research and training opportunities that span the continuum
from basic science to applied applications and the scientific knowledge needed to excel in modern genetic
sciences irrespective of career path; 2) Offer a rigorous didactic training that provides the fundamentals in
Mendelian and quantitative genetics, statistics and experimental design, rigor and reproducibility, biostatistics,
big data computation skills, and a core set of competencies in communication, interpersonal interactions, and
leadership and team science that will be required for successful careers in academia, industry and government;
and 3) Ensure that trainees develop appreciation for, familiarity with, and exposure to various career
opportunities for well-trained geneticists through mentorship and introduction to experts in various fields.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9855715
- **Project number:** 1T32GM135115-01
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID W. THREADGILL
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $152,670
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9855715

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9855715, Diverse Predoctoral Training in Genetics (1T32GM135115-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9855715. Licensed CC0.

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