ABSTRACT
The last decade has seen an exponential increase in multimodal cancer -omics data due to the development of
high throughput cutting-edge technologies that capture DNA, RNA, protein and metabolite level data. There is a
critical need for training the next generation of data scientists in genomics who can be tasked to translate the
complex integration of these high dimensional data to deliver precision oncology using sophisticated statistical
and computational methods and tools. Due to growing enticements from industry, there is significant threat of
“brain drain” from academia that is especially prevalent among those with data science and high dimensional
computational skills. This proposal seeks to develop the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Genomics
Research Experience for Master’s Students (GEMS) Fellowship Program, a structured and specialized program
that targets master’s level trainees in biostatistics, statistics, data science, computer science or related
quantitative discipline (6 per summer over 5 years). The GEMS program is a hands-on, 12-week immersive and
interdisciplinary summer research experience in cancer genomics with several components that make the
program unique: access to the world's leading resources of cancer genomics data and tools, a quantitative and
scientific dual-mentoring model, pairing with a peer advisor, and a lecture/mini workshop series on cutting-edge
genomic technologies and high dimensional data analysis given by program faculty who are world experts. The
fellows will gain experience working with whole-genome and whole-transcriptome next-generation sequencing
data and obtain a real understanding of high-dimensional data analysis, advanced statistical genomics concepts
and modeling techniques, parallel computing and reproducible research paradigms. This combination of large
data resources, computational infrastructure, didactic lecture and hands-on workshop series from program
faculty creates a unique environment in which the following aims will be pursued: 1) develop a genomics
research internship program that annually recruits 6 students to provide them a 12-week immersive hands-on
research training experience addressing cutting edge cancer genomics research questions; 2) develop and
facilitate a bi-directional evaluation plan to provide timely assessment and feedback for the participants and their
mentors; and 3) track participants' career development over time to evaluate the success of the program and to
support program alumni to pursue quantitative careers in genomics. GEMS will be co-led by 2 PDs at Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with long track records of impactful research, mentorship, and successful
knowledge translation. The dual team mentoring approach will prepare students for the inter-disciplinary
translational science workforce and will learn to become critical thinkers. GEMS will prepare trainees for impactful
careers as -omics data scientists and will obtain work-force training in genomics cancer medicine.