About the UGTP
The goal of the Genetics Training Program (UGTP) at the University of Utah is to give a set of outstanding predoctoral researchers a broad education in genetics, intensive training in the process of performing and evaluating research in a rigorous and ethical manner, and mentorship and support of their development as productive, collaborative members of the scientific community who apply their training to a wide variety of careers.
Announcements
Genetics Interest Group Seminars 2024-2025
We concluded the academic year’s events with two exciting student-invited speakers.
In March, trainee Reilly Falter hosted Dr. Jessica Mozersky (Wash U), who studies the ethical and social implications of new biomedical and genomic technologies. Dr. Mozersky’s seminar “It’s a horrible disease: declining to learn research results that predict risk of Alzheimer’s disease” was attended by folks from Biosciences, Philosophy, and Health Humanities.
Trainee Melanie Holmgren hosted Dr. Adam Miller (University of Oregon) for a talk on April 28 entitled “Redefining the electrical synapse at the molecular, structural, and cell biological level”. The Miller lab’s interests range from pioneering genetic screening methods in the zebrafish to dissecting an electrical synapse that is a key mediator of the startle behavioral response, The zebrafish community and UGTP trainees also had opportunities to get together during Adam’s visit.
We are looking forward to including more student-invited speakers in next year’s activities! Please reach out to the Program directors or trainees if you want to nominate a speaker.
Call for Applications
Apply Now to become a Genetics Trainee!
We are currently accepting applications from early-stage PhD and MD/PhD students who are doing research in genetics or genomics. Please reach out if you have questions about your eligibility or the program. Deadline for all application materials and letters of recommendation is Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
More About the UGTP
Genetics is the study of how the information governing traits of an organism is decoded, how this information is stably passed on between generations, and how variant traits, including altered appearance, behaviors, birth defects, or disease states, arise. Studying the functions of genes, the control of their expression, and the effects of genetic variation give practical insights into how normal development and health are established and maintained, and how changes in gene function and expression contribute to congenital defects, aging, the origins of cancer, and the basis of many diseases.
Our Training Program is designed and implemented so that trainees acquire a strong knowledge base of and skills in applying:
• Genetics fluency
• Scientific rigor and integrity
• Independent research productivity
• Awareness of scientific careers
• Professional skills
• Tools to enhance equitable and inclusive environment