Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843-0001
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Our goals are to (1) recruit, (2) develop, and (3) produce outstanding graduates in the animal production targeted expertise shortage area who will become the next generation of leaders in animal breeding equipped with expertise in phenomics and associated quantitative genomics methods. Global agricultural production must increase by 70% by 2050 to provide sufficient food for an increasing population and increased per capita intake needs. Relying solely on genomics to achieve these increases will yield diminishing returns without better characterization of phenotypes. This doctoral program will integrate coursework with intensive research and experiential learning in phenomics and quantitative genomics in a collaborative community of scholars. Students joining the program will choose from projects that apply phenomics at the whole animal scale to investigate genetic variation in feed efficiency, health, or temperament in beef cattle, or at the molecular scale to investigate genetic variation in expression and epigenetic modifications. Objectives are for fellows to have core competenciesof (1) fundamental knowledge and skills across disciplines, (2) proficiency in written and oral communication, (3) proficiency in complex problem solving, and (4) proficiency in understanding and conducting cross-disciplinary research. A coordinated, proactive recruiting plan will identify outstanding candidates from diverse applicants. Innovations include a deliberate focus on effective communication and peer mentoring via learning communities. Teaching and leadership experience; international research experience; preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals; and training in the preparation of proposals for research funding are also proposed. Program outcomes and student learning outcomes will be assessed. The outcome of this training program will be the preparation of three outstanding scholars ready to enter the workforce. Fellows will be equipped to take leadership positions as educators, researchers, and practitioners in the animal production targeted expertise shortage area.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Our goals are to (1)recruit, (2) develop, and (3) produce outstanding graduates who will become leaders in livestock phenomics and quantitative genomics within the animal production targeted expertise shortage area. Objectives are for Fellows to have core competencies of (1) fundamental knowledge and skills across disciplines, (2) proficiency in writing and oral communication, (3) proficiency in problem solving, and (4) proficiency in understanding and conducting research in livestock phenomics and quantitative genomics.
Project Methods
In coordination with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Department of Animal Science, we will proactively recruitoutstanding candidates from diverse applicants and expect three students to matriculate into the program in fall 2024. Fellows willidentify a mentor for their doctoral research in livestock phenomics and quantitativegenomicsfrom the animal science faculty who are among the training program's core faculty. Our training program has a deliberate focus on effective mentoring and communication skills, which are known to aid in retention of students from historically underrepresented groups. Other creative aspects of our program are intentionally identified opportunities for students to lead research and teaching activities, to manage massive datasets, to effectively communicate their research to both lay and scientific audiences, and to discuss the importance of advancing animal production to promote a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for all Americans and for people around the world.Each fellow will also complete an international research experience in their third year. Fellows will gain research, teaching and leadership experience, and will prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. Program outcomes and student learning outcomes will be assessed.