PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Across the sciences, the skills required to analyze large data sets, build statistical models, and simulate complex processes are becoming increasingly critical. For example, genomic data sets may consist of millions of sequencing reads from hundreds or thousands of samples. In ecology and earth sciences, researchers are applying new methods for modeling ecological data and assimilating data and models to improve forecasts of ecological and environmental change. In systems biology, scientists are modeling the emergent properties of interacting genes, proteins, cells, and tissues. All of these research areas depend on computational fluency. 

The REACT program (Rapid Exposure to Advanced Computational Training) is a short-term initiative to support graduate students to receive the latest training in computational tools and techniques in their field. REACT is a joint effort between the Environmental Change Initiative (ECI), the Eck Institute for Global Health (EIGH), the Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility (GBCF), the Center for Research Computing (CRC) and the Harper Cancer Institute (HCRI). REACT will provide up to $1,300 to cover student tuition, registration, and board required to attend nationally-recognized workshops that provide the latest training in computational approaches.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a PhD student or thesis Masters student enrolled at Notre Dame.
• The student's advisor/PI must be a member in good standing with either the Environmental Change Initiative, the Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, the Center for Research Computing, or the Harper Cancer Institute. Students should check with their advisors if they are not sure of their PI’s affiliations.
• Students attending workshops may be asked to share the knowledge they gain with local working groups, journal clubs, classes, or a symposium of fellow REACT awardees.
• REACT will cover costs for registration and tuition up to $1,300. REACT does not currently cover research expenses.

Application instructions

1. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. All applications should be submitted online. Questions can be directed towards Beth Archie (earchie@nd.edu), Mike Pfrender (pfrender.1@nd.ed), Nydia Morales-Soto (nsoto@nd.edu), Alex hardy (alexhardy@nd.edu), or Andy Bullock (sabullock@nd.edu).
2. Applicants will be required to:

• Create an account with Submittable in order to submit your online application.
• Provide information on the workshop they plan to attend.
• Explain the computational skill(s) they will learn at the workshop and how those skills will help their research.
• Provide information on the costs for workshop registration, tuition, and room and board. REACT provides up to $1,300 to cover these costs, including travel.
• Provide information on their admissions status in regards to the workshop (e.g. the student has not yet applied, the student has applied and the application is pending, or the student has applied and has been admitted to the workshop. If the latter, students will provide evidence of acceptance.)
• Upload a short letter from the student’s sponsoring advisor/PI that states:  

1. That the PI supports the student’s attendance at the workshop
2. That the PI will help pay for any travel costs not covered by other sources
3. Which of the following ND Centers, Initiatives, and Institutes the PI regularly affiliates with: ECI, EIGH, GBCF, CRC, or HCRI.