More than $133,500 in funding will broaden access to computational genomic data science
NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 31, 2024) – Dr. Karla Fuller, interim dean of Guttman Community College (“Guttman”), was awarded a grant for $133,563 from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to broaden access to computational genomic data science (CGDS) by leveraging Guttman’s educational model focused on experiential and relevant education.
“Dr. Karla Fuller exemplifies the Guttman academic model through her impactful research and scholarship. By integrating research-driven practices into our curriculum and offering students opportunities for undergraduate research, we lay the foundation for an enriching academic experience,” said Guttman President Larry Johnson.
Dr. Fuller, the principal investigator on the grant, worked with her research colleague at City College and co-principal investigator, Dr. Deidre Anglin-Roper, on a proposal to create a contextualized curriculum that allows students to build skills in CGDS and be at the forefront of experts in a new field. The proposed educational pathway relies on Guttman’s success at peer learning, connecting course material to real-life contexts and undergraduate research opportunities.
“Dr. Fuller embodies the manner in which Guttman faculty are able to merge research and commitment to teaching into our model that benefits all students, including at-risk and underrepresented populations,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Paul Reifenheiser. “Deciphering the almost incomprehensibly massive amount of data generated after the successful DNA sequencing achieved by the Human Genome Project will require years of scholarship. Dr. Fuller’s work with CGDS allows our students to be at the forefront of researchers helping move forward an exciting field with great opportunity to positively impact our understanding of the health of humans and a variety of living organisms.”
This project is part of the NIH National Human Genomics Research Institute, which is committed to increasing the availability of educational and research opportunities in CGDS. Dr. Fuller’s award makes Guttman a partner site, along with four other college campuses around the U.S., that will coordinate with the Educational Hub at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to enable students at historically underserved institutions to obtain a robust foundation in CGDS and facilitate the development of a diverse data science and genomics workforce.
The NIH grant is the product of Dr. Fuller and Dr. Anglin-Roper’s seed grant in the inaugural year of the City University of New York’s Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies Initiative (BRESI) grant program. BRESI has supported 126 projects across the University focused on curriculum revision, campus climate, student internships and research as well as faculty scholarship and publication.
The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. The NIH invests most of its nearly $48 billion budget in medical research seeking to enhance life and to reduce illness and disability. NIH-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments helping people live longer, healthier lives and building the research foundation that drives discovery.
