Improving Undergraduate Genomics Education through the GCAT-SEEK Network

Many recent educational initiatives have highlighted the need for increased active learning for undergraduates, including authentic classroom research projects and expanded engagement in faculty-sponsored research programs. However, many educators at small, primarily-undergraduate institutions still lack access to the infrastructure and training necessary to implement emerging genomics tools. The Genome Consortium for Active Teaching Using Next-Generation Sequencing (GCAT-SEEK) is a network of schools that brings together the necessary resources to support genomic projects.  The network is funded by grants from the HHMI undergraduate grants and NSF research coordination networks for undergraduate biology education (RCN/UBE) programs.  The network has i) facilitated group runs and/or negotiated group pricing with a number of sequencing centers, ii) connected liberal arts professors to experts in various fields, iii) increased access to shared computer resources for faculty and undergraduate-students across the country, iv) conducted summer faculty development workshops, and v) developed and published genomics teaching resources. The GCAT-SEEK network has grown to over 150 members from over 100 schools. Network research projects have spanned the fields of genomics, including metagenomics, de novo genome sequencing, and RNA-seq, and the tree of life, from viruses to mammals. The first year's summer workshop trained 20 faculty from 16 schools, who plan to involve 800 students in analysis of their data this year alone. Continued adaptation of the network and workshops will provide increased access for students, researchers, and educators at small, undergraduate-focused institutions to the constantly changing tools and approaches in genomics.  For more information and to subscribe, go to: www.gcat-seek.org.