# Diversity Action Plan at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Genomics Program (DAPPG)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2020 · $307,057

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The objective of the Diversity Action Plan at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Genomic Program (DAPPG)
is to guide undergraduate and recent college graduates from underrepresented (UR) groups into graduate school
to pursue genomics research. The Diversity Action Plan will be developed and implemented in partnership with
NHGRI T32 training programs in Computational Genomics, Genomic Medicine, and the Ethical, legal and social
implications of genetics and genomics as well as a research program in sub-cellular genomics. This program
especially emphasizes vertical integration of regional training, recognizing the geographic mobility restrictions
common to many socio-economically disadvantaged UR groups. At least 10 UR scholars (7-10 summer students
and 3 post-baccalaureate students), from the Greater Philadelphia area along with additional candidates from
across the country, will be identified each year who are interested in genomics and genomic medicine research
but lack the experience or expertise necessary for graduate or medical school training. Each scholar will be
matched with a research mentor among the graduate training faculty as well as PhD/Postdoctoral level mentors
from the T32 programs and provided with a significant one to two-year research project. An Individual Student
Development Plan (IDP) is developed for each scholar to ensure that the scholar undertakes training appropriate
to his or her own scientific needs and interests, including graduate or advanced undergraduate coursework.
Scholars will also develop the skills necessary for success in graduate school by completing workshops in
genomics and computational biology, grant writing, the responsible conduct of research, critical analysis of
scientific literature, and oral and written presentation skills. Scholars will also participate in a one-on-one writing
workshop with a professional writing instructor. Scholars will meet weekly as a group to discuss scientific journal
articles and their own research, in order to further develop their skills in the critical evaluation of research and
the delivery of scientific presentations, as well as to increase their exposure to research outside their own
research groups. In addition, scholars will receive advising for the graduate school application process, including
selecting programs, writing application essays, and practicing interviews. If necessary, scholars will take a GRE
or MCAT preparation course. Scholars will also participate in various lunches and seminars with Penn faculty,
postdoctoral fellows and graduate students who share their training experiences, on-going research, and
academic paths. The ultimate measure of the program's success is the percentage of scholars who are admitted
to PhD or MD-PhD training programs and pursue a research career.
!

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9963320
- **Project number:** 5R25HG010323-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** MAJA BUCAN
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $307,057
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-14 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9963320

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9963320, Diversity Action Plan at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Genomics Program (DAPPG) (5R25HG010323-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9963320. Licensed CC0.

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