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Bruins-in-Genomics: Evaluation of the impact of a UCLA undergraduate summer program in computational biology on participating students

Author

Listed:
  • Hilary A Coller
  • Stacey Beggs
  • Samantha Andrews
  • Jeff Maloy
  • Alec Chiu
  • Sriram Sankararaman
  • Matteo Pellegrini
  • Nelson Freimer
  • Tracy Johnson
  • Jeanette Papp
  • Eleazar Eskin
  • Alexander Hoffmann

Abstract

Recruiting, training and retaining scientists in computational biology is necessary to develop a workforce that can lead the quantitative biology revolution. Yet, African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native Americans, and women are severely underrepresented in computational biosciences. We established the UCLA Bruins-in-Genomics Summer Research Program to provide training and research experiences in quantitative biology and bioinformatics to undergraduate students with an emphasis on students from backgrounds underrepresented in computational biology. Program assessment was based on number of applicants, alumni surveys and comparison of post-graduate educational choices for participants and a control group of students who were accepted but declined to participate. We hypothesized that participation in the Bruins-in-Genomics program would increase the likelihood that students would pursue post-graduate education in a related field. Our surveys revealed that 75% of Bruins-in-Genomics Summer participants were enrolled in graduate school. Logistic regression analysis revealed that women who participated in the program were significantly more likely to pursue a Ph.D. than a matched control group (group x woman interaction term of p = 0.005). The Bruins-in-Genomics Summer program represents an example of how a combined didactic-research program structure can make computational biology accessible to a wide range of undergraduates and increase participation in quantitative biosciences.

Suggested Citation

  • Hilary A Coller & Stacey Beggs & Samantha Andrews & Jeff Maloy & Alec Chiu & Sriram Sankararaman & Matteo Pellegrini & Nelson Freimer & Tracy Johnson & Jeanette Papp & Eleazar Eskin & Alexander Hoffma, 2022. "Bruins-in-Genomics: Evaluation of the impact of a UCLA undergraduate summer program in computational biology on participating students," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(5), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0268861
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268861
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samantha M. R. Jelks & Andrew M. Crain, 2020. "Sticking with STEM: Understanding STEM Career Persistence among STEM Bachelor’s Degree Holders," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 91(5), pages 805-831, July.
    2. Karen W. Bauer & Joan S. Bennett, 2003. "Alumni Perceptions Used to Assess Undergraduate Research Experience," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(2), pages 210-230, March.
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