John S.K Kauwe
BYU undergraduates validate novel genetic variants that protect from Alzheimer’s disease
Project Justification and Overview
Successful enrollment in and completion of graduate programs requires a constellation of skills.
Students must be prepared to plan and execute experiments, present their findings both verbally and in
manuscript form and interact effectively with senior scientists in the field of their choice. In this MEG I will mentor three undergraduate students (Kaitlin Bell, Josue Gonzalez and Ariel Hippen) as they
develop skills in study design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation and networking while identifying genetic factors that protect individuals from Alzheimer’s disease.
Evaluation of Academic Objectives
This MEG was proposed with specific objectives associated with a five phase mentoring plan.
Phase 1 Benchmarks
• Participation in weekly MEG group meetings
• Complete PLINK and R tutorials
• Prepare an ORCA proposal based on their training project
Progress: All three students submitted completed tutorials and ORCA proposals. Phase 2 Benchmarks
• Participation in weekly MEG group meetings
• Demonstration of leadership in the design of the study
• Submission of ORCA peer reviews
• Submission of an ORCA grant proposal
Progress: Weekly meetings MEG group meetings were held throughout the grant period. Students successfully outlined study plans and drafted proposals for analysis. Students reviewed each other’s proposals and provided critical peer evaluations. Proposals from Josue and Ariel were funded.
Phase 3 Benchmarks
• Submission of an abstract for the appropriate scientific meeting
• Complete draft of manuscript describing research results
Progress: All three students executed their analysis plans, submitted abstracts to conferences
and drafted manuscripts or contributed to manuscripts.
Phase 4 Benchmarks
• Acceptance of the abstract to the scientific meeting
• Successful presentation and participation in the scientific meeting
• Establish meaningful contact with at least two potential mentors outside of BYU
Progress: All three students have co-authored abstracts, presented at local, regional or national meetings and established significant relationships with outside scientists.
Phase 5 Benchmarks
• Submission of manuscript for peer review
• Acceptance/Publication of a manuscript
Progress: All three students have submitted manuscripts. Manuscripts by Josue and Kaitlin have been
published.
Assessment of the Mentoring Environment:
The vast majority of the pre-established benchmarks for this training program were met. This
presents a very positive assessment of the mentoring environment
Budget Summary
Funds from this MEG were used to fund salary for these undergraduates from award date to grant
conclusion. The funds from this MEG have been completely spent.
Summary
This MEG has successfully provided students with training in analysis of data currently being generated
in the study of human genetics, exposure to and interaction with other scientists in a professional
setting, experience in the presentation of primary data at a conference, and experience in writing,
submission, review, revision and publication of manuscripts.