Virtual Cancer Genomics: An Accessible and Effective Approach to Research Training for Undergraduates

To diversify the cancer research workforce, it is necessary to broaden the accessibility of audience appropriate training programs. Cancer research training opportunities for undergraduates are often geographically bound and have limited enrollment capacities. To address this problem, the Genomic Education team at The Jackson Laboratory designed a free, 2-week, virtual short course in cancer genomics open to students across the USA. Each summer students learn foundational concepts in cancer genomics while gaining valuable exposure to a range of careers in the field. We developed recruitment strategies prioritizing students who are underrepresented in research and successfully scaled the course without compromising the student experience by creating tiered levels of engagement and flexibility through a mix of synchronous and interactive asynchronous activities. This approach accommodates students who work or are otherwise unable to participate in mentored research away from their home institution. In addition to 1-h live sessions designed for didactic content delivery and interaction with researchers and clinicians, the course offers participants in the highest tier of engagement collaboration in small groups on an inquiry project at the intersection of cancer genomics and patient care. Formal assessment of student attitudes indicates significant benefits and gains from participation in this course. Greater than ninety percent of surveyed students indicated the course was an effective way to learn about cancer genomics, had a positive effect on their interest in science, and provided clarification of their career path, which attests to the value of creating accessible training formats for undergraduates who wish to engage in biomedicine.