Exploring Biomedical Informatics: Research, Programming, and Scientific Communication with Real-World Data
Meeting Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00-8:00PM CST 
Instructor: Alex Becker

Are you interested in medicine, biomedicine, health, or healthcare? Do you like the idea of making a real-world impact with readily available data? Are you ready to dive into an exponentially growing field that you’ve (probably) never heard of but have interacted with? If so, then biomedical informatics is an area you should explore. Biomedical informatics is an interdisciplinary, scientific field that studies and pursues the effective uses of biomedical data, information, and knowledge for scientific inquiry, problem solving, and decision making; motivated by efforts to improve human health (amia.org). Biomedical informaticians often collaborate with professionals in epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, computational biology, cognitive science, human factors engineering, biomedical engineering, and many others to make a positive impact on health and health-related research. As part of this mentorship, you will begin to build the skills necessary to conduct and communicate biomedical informatics research, laying a solid foundation for future academic and career pursuits in biomedical informatics, data science, and beyond. We will cover the basics of biomedical informatics, how to design and execute research projects, programming (no experience required), key academic and life skills, as well as how to effectively communicate your science through writing and conference-style presentations. This mentorship experience will combine theory with hands-on practice. Weekly classes are highly interactive: blending lectures, workshops, group activities, and guest speakers. Throughout the mentorship you will design and execute your own, independent research project (datasets will be supplied, or you can bring your own!). You will share your research and findings through a draft submission to the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) High School Scholar’s Program. This draft submission will include a 2-page extended project description and a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation. This mentorship is not a bystander experience!

Prerequisite: Previous programming experience is not required.

In order to engage with the content of the course, all students are required to have access to the technology list below or be willing to acquire this technology prior to the start of the program. Please note, some downloads include terms and conditions that require consent of an individual over the age of 18. Students should work with their guardians to obtain appropriate permissions before downloading software or creating accounts:

-The computer’s operating system is Windows, MacOS, or Chromebook (no Linux, please)
-Stable internet connection, camera, and microphone for class.
-At least 60gb free space (preferably on a hard drive, but Google Drive is sufficient for Chromebook users)
-Permission to download RStudio and download Visual Studio
-Google Account and has permission to access Google Colab
-Permission to download Zotero or to access ZoteroBib
-Access to a word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
-Access to a presentation making software (like PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides)
-Access to Excel (Excel, Google Sheets) Many school-owned computers block the resources listed above. If you are planning to use a school-owned device, please confirm that you are able to download and access the technology resources listed above before applying to this course.

Note: Multiple perspectives (both popular and unpopular) will be examined and discussed for the purpose of building critical thinking skills and understanding or critiquing multiple viewpoints and data as well as incorporating and responding to classmates’ views and ideas. The ideas, readings and discussions are not necessarily the expressed views of the instructor, PTY, or VU. While we encourage students to engage in the orderly and civil exchange of diverse ideas and opinions, we expect that they will do so in a respectful way so that all participants feel welcome and safe.

Instructor Bio: Alex Becker is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University whose work bridges medicine and data science. His research centers on electronic health records (EHRs): designing and evaluating computable phenotypes, assessing model performance, and studying how informatics tools support safer prescribing and patient-clinician decision-making. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Alex earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an M.S. in Biomedical Informatics from Vanderbilt. He has a decade of teaching and mentorship experience and holds a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching. His mentorship emphasizes strong research habits and analytical thinking: defining problems, gathering and evaluating evidence, and translating results for both technical and general audiences. When he’s not thinking about data and healthcare, you’ll find him outdoors hiking or kayaking, behind a camera, or exploring new books.

Genetics from Bench to Bedside: Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Decision-Making
Meeting Day/Time: Sunday and Wednesday, 5:30-7:30PM CST 
Instructor: Peyton Hickman

What hidden instructions shape every cell in your body, and how do changes in those instructions become diagnoses, treatments, and ethical dilemmas in modern medicine? In this mentorship, you will investigate genetics as both a foundational biological science and a clinical tool, tracing the path from molecular discovery at the laboratory bench to real-world applications at the patient’s bedside. The mentorship will begin by exploring the structure and function of DNA and progress through gene expression, mutation, and inheritance, building the conceptual framework necessary to analyze genetic variation and disease. As the mentorship advances, you will engage with authentic genetic data, clinical case studies, and diagnostic reasoning used by practicing geneticists and physicians. Through guided problem-solving, you will analyze inheritance patterns, classify mutations, and evaluate how specific genetic changes alter protein function and biological systems and explore how technologies, such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and genetic screening, are used to identify disease-causing variants and inform treatment decisions. Throughout the mentorship, emphasis will be placed on scientific reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, and translational thinking connecting laboratory research to clinical practice. You will examine contemporary gene-based therapies (including gene replacement and gene editing approaches), while also grappling with the ethical, social, and medical implications of genetic knowledge. If you are ready to think like scientists, ask sophisticated questions, and engage deeply with the rapidly evolving field of human genetics, this mentorship is for you!

Note: Multiple perspectives (both popular and unpopular) will be examined and discussed for the purpose of building critical thinking skills and understanding or critiquing multiple viewpoints and data as well as incorporating and responding to classmates’ views and ideas. The ideas, readings and discussions are not necessarily the expressed views of the instructor, PTY, or VU. While we encourage students to engage in the orderly and civil exchange of diverse ideas and opinions, we expect that they will do so in a respectful way so that all participants feel welcome and safe.

Instructor Bio: Peyton is in his 3rd year at Vanderbilt’s Medical Scientist Training Program. His thesis work in the lab of Dr. Matthew Wilson focuses on gene editing, using modern tools to overcome barriers in gene editing based therapies, with current clinical interests in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Originally from Dyersburg, TN, he attended the University of Tennessee as a first-gen college student majoring in biochemistry and microbiology. He then earned a masters in biochemistry from Mayo Clinic before returning home to Nashville. Mentorship has had a strong impact on his life, and Peyton has enjoyed continuing that cycle of mentorship through Mayo's SPARK research program for high school students, tutoring college level courses, and now Vanderbilt's PTY.

Introduction to Endothelial Biology: Vascular Function, Disease, and Discovery
Meeting Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30-7:30PM CST 
Instructor: David Aslaner

What makes the cells lining your blood vessels capable of sustaining life’s most critical functions? How do they regulate blood flow, support cardiovascular function, and respond to injury or disease? Have you ever wondered how scientists uncover the secrets of these vital cells and translate their discoveries into life-saving therapies? If so, this mentorship is for you! During this mentorship, you will embark on an exciting journey that blends scientific exploration, engaging guest lectures, and collaborative group projects to develop a strong foundation in endothelial biology. Together, we will delve into key topics such as vascular biology, endothelial cell function, and the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension. This mentorship also extends beyond the science, offering opportunities to develop essential academic and professional skills. Through public speaking workshops, interactive group discussions, and collaborative activities, you’ll gain valuable insights into the daily life of a scientist. You’ll also explore topics related to college life and potential career paths in Cardiology, Vascular Biology, Surgery, and Biomedical Research. Your learning experience will culminate in a capstone project tailored to your interests, where you will have the opportunity to design and present a research proposal or project addressing a question related to endothelial biology. Whether you choose to explore the role of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease, innovative therapeutic approaches, or cutting-edge research techniques, your final project will be a showcase of your curiosity and growth in the field. By the end of this mentorship, you will have a comprehensive understanding of endothelial biology, hands-on experience with research methodologies, and enhanced critical thinking and communication skills. You’ll leave prepared to take the next steps in your academic journey and be inspired by the possibilities in science and medicine. If you’re eager to dive into the world of vascular biology, uncover the secrets of endothelial cells, and prepare for the next stage of your academic journey, this mentorship is your gateway to discovery!

Note: Multiple perspectives (both popular and unpopular) will be examined and discussed for the purpose of building critical thinking skills and understanding or critiquing multiple viewpoints and data as well as incorporating and responding to classmates’ views and ideas. The ideas, readings and discussions are not necessarily the expressed views of the instructor, PTY, or VU. While we encourage students to engage in the orderly and civil exchange of diverse ideas and opinions, we expect that they will do so in a respectful way so that all participants feel welcome and safe.

Instructor Bio: David Aslaner is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University, currently in his 4th year of doctoral studies. He received a bachelor's degree in health sciences with a minor in Philosophy from The Ohio State University. After graduating, David joined the research lab of Dr. Loren Wold at Ohio State as a Research Assistant where he studied environmental effects on cardiopulmonary health. David has first-author publications observing the negative cardiopulmonary effects of air pollution and electronic cigarettes. Here at Vanderbilt and under his advisor Dr. Julie Bastarache, David studies the lung microvascular environment during sepsis. When not in the lab, David enjoys traveling, watching college football, and cooking.

Neuropsychology & Behavioral Medicine: Understanding the Connection Between
Meeting Day/Time: Monday and Wednesday, 7:00-9:00PM CST 
Instructor: Pietra Bruni, Ph.D.

Physical and emotional health are not two separate systems, as many scientists previously believed but are closely intertwined. This interaction is known as the Mind-Body connection, a relationship so important that it’s responsible for impacting nearly all of our bodily experiences! Our memory, energy levels, behavior, mood, sleep, and even our appetite are controlled by this dynamic and ever-evolving relationship. This mentorship will address the link between neuropsychology and behavioral medicine, focusing on the exciting and complex work that happens at the intersection of mind and medicine. Clinical neuropsychologists focus on the relationship between the brain and behavior, frequently working in the medical field to promote health and wellbeing. This subspeciality often overlaps with Behavioral Medicine, a newly developing area of study that explores the interplay of biological, psychological, medical, and social factors. Since behavioral medicine encompasses a deeply interdisciplinary approach that pulls from various disciplines (such as biology, immunology, neurology, and psychophysiology), you will begin the mentorship by learning about the nervous system and related physiological structures. From there, you will expand your knowledge of the biopsychosocial model, synthesizing relevant literature from the field, and learning more about cutting-edge health research. Specific topics that will be explored include the impact of stress on the body, the gut-brain connection, how neuroplasticity can re-wire our brain, the role of behavioral genetics, chronic pain, and more. This advanced content deep-dive will culminate in identifying your own research question (to be answered through data collection or advanced literature review) resulting in an independent research project that you design and execute yourself. Throughout this mentorship, you can expect advanced lectures, labs, extensive study, an introduction to clinical health resources used in the medical field, and guest lectures from fellow clinicians and research scientists. If you are interested in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine, this mentorship is for you! Together, we will bridge the gap between brain/ body relationships and explore the diverse fields of neuropsychology and behavioral medicine.

Note: Multiple perspectives (both popular and unpopular) will be examined and discussed for the purpose of building critical thinking skills and understanding or critiquing multiple viewpoints and data as well as incorporating and responding to classmates’ views and ideas. The ideas, readings and discussions are not necessarily the expressed views of the instructor, PTY, or VU. While we encourage students to engage in the orderly and civil exchange of diverse ideas and opinions, we expect that they will do so in a respectful way so that all participants feel welcome and safe.

Instructor Bio: Dr. Pietra Bruni is a geropsychologist at VA Boston Healthcare System and instructor at Harvard Medical School. She specializes in developing, researching, and implementing biopsychosocial interventions for an aging Veteran population at the intersection of physical and mental health. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BPhil/BS in Psychology and Film Studies, before joining the Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University and earning her PhD in Clinical Psychological Science. Pietra’s research broadly examines how emotion is felt in the body. As physical sensations are a central aspect of emotional experience, she investigates this connection via embodiment and interoception across domains. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Health Psychology at VA Connecticut Healthcare System/ Yale School of Medicine. Pietra received a Certificate in College Teaching from Vanderbilt and has assisted in leading numerous college-level courses. She has even won awards for finding creative ways to teach science! Pietra has previously designed and taught numerous courses and mentorships to gifted students through PTY, ranging from Biology of the Brain to Neuroscience 101. She is passionate about learning and finding innovative ways to explain complex topics. In her free time, Pietra enjoys hiking, gardening, and exploring the New England coffee scene.