Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

Data Science (Data Sci) has become essential in many research domains and industries. Demand for data scientists is especially rapidly growing in bio-related industries. This requires a workforce with a rare combination of expertise in both Machine Learning (ML) and Life Sciences. Here, we will address this important need by training Life Sciences students in ML through an innovative CREATE program called 'TrainBioData'. Training will consist of 5 components: (1) Programming bootcamp, (2) Data Sci foundations workshop, (3) Elective courses, to allow students to gain more specialized skills, (4) Weekly seminars which will include talks from experts in industry and academia on Professional skill development and EDI, and (5) Internships with our academic and industry partners across Canada and internationally. Those internships will provide a hands-on learning experience in actual work settings, which will offer training and mentorship that go above and beyond the traditional graduate school experience. Our program will also provide novel pathways to introduce undergraduate bio-students early in their education to Data Sci in order to make the biggest impact on their future careers. We will focus on outreach and recruitment in under-represented groups. For example, we will work with the adjacent Kainai Nation, the 3rd most populous First Nations tribe in Canada, to introduce Indigenous students to Data Sci careers. Moreover, to have a Canada-wide impact, we will use our TrainBioData program to provide online mentoring for Indigenous students through collaboration with the Influence Mentoring program. Our highly diverse team is well suited to deliver this interdisciplinary program as evidenced by the numerous recognitions awarded to our PIs, who received 8 Research Chairs and 5 NSERC Accelerator supplements for excellence in research and HQP training. To ensure sustainability, our TrainBioData program will be later converted to a Graduate Certificate in Data Sci program, which has strong support from our senior administration. Thus, our program will create a sustainable pathway for preparing Life Sciences students for bio Data Sci jobs, which are crucially needed for the Canadian economy.