Photo credit: Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah
Research Hub Summer Institute introduces educators to robust Researcher Workbench for in-classroom use to advance science education
The National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program trained 18 community college educators to use the Research Workbench in their curriculum. The training was part of the third annual Research Hub Summer Institute, hosted by the University of Utah.
The Summer Institute introduces high school, community college and university educators to the All of Us Researcher Workbench and Data Browser. The goal is to teach them how to use the All of Us dataset in their classrooms. Attendees gain first-hand experience with the All of Us Researcher Workbench by completing a sample research project. They also learn about the impact of All of Us more broadly. In particular, they discuss how the program's diverse dataset is changing biomedical research. Attendees help develop ideas for ready-to-use classroom materials. In the end, they take these lessons back to their classrooms to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.
“Health research is changing. It’s important that the future generations of researchers are taught how to harness these tools to support a strong scientific workforce,” said Rubin Baskir, Ph.D., branch director for researcher engagement and outreach in the All of Us Research Program's Division of Engagement and Outreach. “A tool like the Researcher Workbench has never before been available to early career researchers. But, it’s not enough to make it available. We must also directly engage with researchers to ensure equitable use of this resource and the comprehensive data contributed by people who reflect the diversity of the U.S.”
This year, the Summer Institute attendees included educators from 14 states who teach biology, genetics, anatomy, biotech, health and research method courses. The Institute focused on equipping attendees with the tools to engage their students in learning how to use big data to inform new discoveries across biomedical disciplines.
Participants in the 2024 Summer Institute included:
- Franklin Maloba, M.S., Navajo Technical University, Chinle, Arizona
- Breeana Betts, M.S., Colorado Community College System, Denver, Colorado
- Andrea Davis, M.S., Chattahoochee Technical College, Marietta, Georgia
- Amy Christopherson, M.S., College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho
- Chiju Chris Chen, Ph.D., Malcolm X College, Chicago, Illinois
- Azmia Javed, M.D., M.Phil., Malcolm X College, Chicago, Illinois
- Brian Kram, M.S., Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland
- Jeremiah Wagner, Ph.D., Mid Michigan College, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
- Melvin Tony Newson, Ph.D., M.S., Coahoma Community College, Clarksdale, Mississippi
- Kelsey Morin, Ph.D., Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt, North Dakota
- Laura Sawney, M.P.H., University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Teresa Walters, M.S., Central Community College – Grand Island, Grand Island, Nebraska
- Clement Gomes, Ph.D., CUNY Guttman Community College, New York, New York
- Kaytlyn Gilliam, M.S., Sequoyah High School, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- April Ann Fong, M.S., Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon
- Cariann Dudley, B.S.N., Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Hayward, Wisconsin
- Jamie Gohde, M.S.N., Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Hayward, Wisconsin
- Dana C. Jorczak, M.S.N., Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Hayward, Wisconsin
“It’s vital that our aspiring scientists and researchers have an opportunity to train on world-class health research tools, like the Researcher Workbench," said Louisa Stark, Ph.D., professor of human genetics and director of the Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah, and principal investigator for the All of Us Research Program award to the University. "The curious, dedicated educators who participated in Summer Institutes engage their students in gaining an understanding of rich and diverse datasets that are critical to the future of health research.”
To learn more about All of Us and how you can get involved, visit JoinAllofUs.org. To learn more about the Research Hub and opportunities for researchers, visit https://allofus.nih.gov/get-involved/opportunities-researchers.
