CTSA Research Education R25 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

About This Grant

Abstract The UNC Readiness And Preparation for Informatics and Data Science Careers, or RAPID program, is a 15- week program designed to inspire undergraduates to integrate data science tools into translational science that is rigorous and promotes health outcome optimization across populations. The program components include: 1) didactic training in data science and differential health outcomes in populations 2) mentorship to complete a research practicum, 3) interactions with established investigators who are applying data science tools across the spectrum of translational science and 4) development of a mentoring network comprised of peers, near-peers, staff and faculty. The program is delivered in a hybrid fashion with 2 weeks of preparatory work done by the participant before they arrive at UNC, followed by a 10-week residential summer intensive program. During the 10 weeks, participants are guided through each phase of a data science project from idea formulation to dissemination and are taught choices they can make to incorporate principles of population conscious analysis and rigor into each phase. Participants have the option of 3-weeks of support after they leave UNC to complete and present the research project. Eligible participants are rising sophomore and junior STEM majors. Innovative aspects of the program include use of a conceptual model that gives participants agency to choose their research topic, the application of data science skills in project-based learning, and interactions with community advisory boards to further reinforce communication skills and health outcome optimization across populations.