The goal of the Data Science Core is to build and support a community of practice in Data Science to advance biomedical research in Maine. In service of this overarching goal, the Core aims to develop the workforce in Maine needed to address this challenge, by increasing data science proficiency across the Maine INBRE network via training, and support in data management, analysis, and computational resources.
The Core will play a crucial role in the ME-INBRE, serving as a nexus and catalyst for multidisciplinary collaboration. Core staff members have extensive experience analyzing genomics data sets and have an established history of successfully delivering data analysis training to faculty and students. Biomedical research is increasingly driven by vast quantities of data from disparate sources across multiple fields, and hence dependent on sophisticated, reproducible, and rigorous data management and computational workflows.
- The Core has offered multiple training courses through regional IDeA collaborative efforts, including Applied Bioinformatics and Reproducible and FAIR Bioinformatics Analysis of Omics Data (with NH INBRE); Maine Data Science Workshops for ME-INBRE faculty, students, and staff, focused on tools and resources that complement longer and more intensive courses; as well as annual regional workshops for the IDeA community.
- We offer Data Science Colloquia, a seminar series organized to connect the Maine Data Science community, disseminate knowledge, and enhance collaborations.
- NIH/NIGMS Cloud Learning Modules. This repository aims to teach students, researchers, and clinicians, among others, how to utilize the power of cloud technology for the benefit of life sciences applications and research. Types of data used across the modules include but are not limited to genomics, methylomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and medical imaging data across formats such as FASTA/FASTQ, SAM, BAM, CSV, PNG, and DICOM. Learning modules range in areas from introductory material to single-omics approaches, multi-omics techniques, single cell analysis, metagenomics, and AI/ML imaging applications.
- In addition to these formal trainings, The Data Science Scholars Program provides focused, individualized mentoring to advanced undergraduate students at Maine INBRE network institutions.
- We support the University of Maine’s Professional Science Master’s program in Bioinformatics and Master’s of Science degree in data science and engineering.
- Core staff are active members of the NorthEast Data Science Collaborative (NEDSC) that is part of the NorthEast Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (NECC), a regional effort to facilitate cyber-enabled collaborative research among the Northeast Regional IDeA States: Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The NEDSC has developed and provided over 30 data science training courses and workshops and published 3 collaborative articles since 2010.
- The NEDSC, in its early years, worked collaboratively to characterize the genome of the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, in the Skate Genome Project.
Our Data Science Working Group is comprised of representation from each network institution and is responsible for promoting and advancing the development and application of data management, analysis, and visualization methods broadly across biomedical research efforts in Maine.
Our Data Science Advisory Council is comprised of knowledgable senior scientists and will provide advice to and review of the ongoing activities and plans of the Data Science Core.
Contact one of the Core Co-Directors Joel Graber, PhD or Benjamin King, PhD to learn more about Core services and training opportunities.