Our goal is to train and empower next-generation scientific leaders to find biologically meaningful and statistically rigorous patterns in high-dimensional epigenetics datasets by integrating cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches.
To achieve this goal, we have pursued depth in three purposeful long-term activities:
- SEEDS (Summer Exploration in Epigenetics and Data Science): We created an intensive, multi-year interdisciplinary training program for undergraduate students in high-throughput biological data generation and analysis. The SEEDS program offers 4-5 undergraduate students a four-year sequence of summer bootcamp training modules in first principles of statistics, computer science, molecular biology, and epigenetics. Students apply their knowledge to a hypothesis-driven research question in spatial neuroepigenetics, each year growing in mastery over their combination wet/dry lab project, culminating in paper submission and poster presentation at a conference.
- SEEDS-BRIDGE: Identify and train post-baccalaureate candidates with strong interest and talent for scientific research. Our lab has a track record of recruiting students during their undergraduate training into the post-baccalaureate arm of our SEEDS program (SEEDS-BRIDGE). Given their established expertise in fostering community among aspiring physician scientists from all parts of the U.S., we strategically partner with APSA (the American Physician Scientist Association; https://www.physicianscientists.org/). Through SEEDS-BRIDGE, we provide students a 2-year post-baccalaureate position to build depth/breadth in scientific training and a network of mentors to build confidence and interest in long-term research careers.
- Develop new undergraduate and graduate Structured Active In-class Learning (SAIL)-based courses to equip students with fundamental concepts in probability, statistics, and coding to find patterns in spatial epigenetics data sets. Students learn statistical principles by solving biomedical research problems with real-world genomics data. Dr. Cremins has designed and taught undergraduate (EM375) and graduate (BE504) courses focused on this goal since 2014 at Penn.
All 15 graduates of our SEEDs/SEEDs-BRIDGE programs remain in scientific careers (PhD (MIT-1/UPenn-4/), MD-PhD (Mayo-1/UCSF-1/NYU-1), and MD (OhioState-1/UMich-1/Harvard-1/UPenn-1/Jefferson-1), and Other(Technician-1/Biotech-1). We are currently mentoring 3 SEEDs students from UPenn, Binghamton, and Cal Berkely. We commit as mentors for life to each individual.