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UCLA Genomic Analysis Training Program

Overview

The UCLA Genomic Analysis and Interpretation Training Program [genetics.ucla.edu] is open to any UCLA Ph.D. student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and whose goal is to do research in genomic analysis or interpretation. This program seeks to insure that students interested in genomics obtain an adequate biological, computational and statistical foundation to succeed in this important new, interdisciplinary field. This NIH-funded training program provides a stipend plus UCLA tuition and fees.

• Training Program Co-Directors: Kenneth Lange and Janet Sinsheimer
• Training Program Administrator: Tiffany Comtois-Dion (to whom all correspondence should be sent) tcomtois@mednet.ucla.edu
• Funding Source: National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the NIH (grant number: T32 HG02536)
• Funding Level for Graduate Students: Approximately $20,772 plus UCLA tuition and fees; this funding is often supplemented with additional support from the trainee's department or advisor.
• Funding Period for graduate students: one year; renewable each year, for up to three years

Applicant Requirements:

1. U.S. citizen or permanent resident
2. Ph.D. student
3. Interested in doing research in genomic analysis or interpretation
   

Application Due Date:

• February 8, 2008
• Link to 2008 - 2009 Application

Research Opportunities

The faculty of the Training Program are listed below organized into six areas of research. Trainees working with these faculty are, of course, not limited to these research areas. Neither are trainees limited to these faculty.

Information about faculty members can be found at: GATG Faculty [genetics.ucla.edu] or by searching the UCLA Human Genetics Web site. [genetics.ucla.edu]

1. Genomic Technologies

   Laboratories at UCLA are on the forefront of developing many of the technologies that will be used in future genomic research. These technologies range from microarrays to positron imaging. Students trained by faculty in this area are expected to gain insight into potential applications of the latest technologies, to apply them to solve problems in genetics, and to develop novel technologies themselves.
   Faculty include: Julie Korenberg, James Liao, Stanley Nelson and Jeanette Papp
   
   

2. Model Organisms

   Model organisms have been applied very successfully by participating faculty at UCLA in identifying genes contributing to heart disease and psychiatric disorders. Several disease predisposing genes have been cloned, and a unique resource of genome tagged mice is available for mapping new genes and testing their interactions. Because animal models are proving crucial to mapping genes for complex traits, students working with faculty in this area will be well positioned for future careers in either mouse or human genetics.
   Faculty Include: Esteban Dell'Angelica, Katrina Dipple, Aldons (Jake) Lusis, Karen Reue, Desmond Smith and Lawrence Zipursky.
   
   

3. Disease Gene Mapping

   The investigators in this area are at the forefront of disease gene mapping efforts, both for Mendelian and complex disorders. Dr. Pajukanta is studying multiple diseases in genetic isolates to map complex disease genes, while Dr. Rotter is studying outbred populations, and Dr. Vilain is studying single gene disorders. Students working with these training faculty will be extremely well equipped in human genetics and genetic epidemiology.
   Faculty Include: Paivi Pajukanta, Jerome Rotter and Eric Vilain.
   
   

4. Statistical Genetics

   UCLA has one of the largest and most productive groups of statistical geneticists in the world. Trainees will be exposed to a rich environment fostering population genetics, statistical modeling, algorithm development, and genetic data analysis.
   Faculty Include: Rita Cantor, Steve Horvath, Kenneth Lange, Chiara Sabatti, Janet Sinsheimer and Eric Sobel.
   
   

5. Bioinformatics

   Bioinformatics at UCLA brings together the avalanche of biological data, e.g., multiple genomes and proteomes, with the analytic theory and practical tools of mathematics and computer science.
   Faculty Include: David Eisenberg, James Lake, Christopher Lee and Marc Suchard
   
   

6. Ethical and Community Issues

   UCLA has taken a leading role in studying the ethical and social issues that must be an integral part of the current revolution in genetics. For example, the UCLA Center for Society and Genetics [socgen.ucla.edu] seeks to provide direction for the co-evolution of science and humanity by promoting innovative and socially relevant research and education.
   Faculty Include: Wayne Grody and Edward McCabe
   
   

Helpful Links

• UCLA Department of Human Genetics [genetics.ucla.edu]
• UCLA Summer Program for Undergraduate Research [gdnet.ucla.edu]
• UCLA ACCESS Program in Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Life Sciences [uclaaccess.ucla.edu]
• UCLA Graduate Division (information on admission to all UCLA graduate programs) [gdnet.ucla.edu]
• UCLA Department of Biomathematics [biomath.ucla.edu]
• UCLA Department of Biostatistics [ph.ucla.edu]
• American Society of Human Genetics [ashg.org]
• International Genetic Epidemiology Society [geneticepi.org]
  
  

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Last Reviewed: December 18, 2008