Purpose

The AIM-AHEAD Consortium’s Data Science Training Core and Communications Hub partnered with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to develop a traineeship in advanced data analysis using NCATS Data, the N3C Data Enclave, and AIM-AHEAD’s Data Science Training Core.
This training opportunity was designed to reduce barriers for AIM-AHEAD researchers to access and analyze real-world clinical data, allowing them to conduct novel research at the intersection of AI/ML and health disparities with data collected from communities historically underrepresented in biomedical research.

About AIM-AHEAD

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity And Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) is an initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health that is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), with emphasis on reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. Led by the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, this program has cultivated a diverse nationwide consortium that embraces equity and transparency, aimed at leveraging AI/ML to enhance health outcomes across diverse and under-resourced communities. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships, targeted research programs, and engagement with key stakeholders, AIM-AHEAD continues to bolster participation and foster meaningful involvement within the AI/ML and health equity field.

Participants

Cohort 1 participants included 55 diverse professionals committed to applying AI/ML to benefit underrepresented communities by utilizing the resources of the NCATS N3C Data Enclave and AIM-AHEAD’s Data Science Training Core. During the Traineeship, each trainee was paired with a career mentor from the AIM-AHEAD community, offering individualized support for professional development.

Cohort 1 Trainees

1. Dolapo Adeniji: Indiana State University
2. Juhi Aggarwal: Rutgers University
3. Ihunna Amugo: Meharry Medical College
4. Ayishih Bellew: University of the Virgin Islands
5. Gabriel Borges-Velez: University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center
6. Christian Cabanlong: University of New Mexico
7. Jennifer Cadenhead: Columbia University in the City of New York
8. Paul Chong: Campbell University
9. Nikhet Chowdhury: University of New Mexico
10. Ran Dai: University of Nebraska Medical Center
11. Yamixa Delgado: San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
12. Jerry Diabor: Bowie State University
13. Brooke Dolin: Kula No Na Po'e Hawaii
14. Steven Ewell: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
15. Alexis Garretson: Tufts University
16. Jordan Hilsman: University of Pittsburgh
17. Olaniyi Iyiola: Morgan State University
18. Javeia Johnson-McCoy: Meharry Medical College
19. Demetrice Jordan: Harvard Medical School
20. Devrim Kaya: San Diego State University
21. Kiyoung Kim: Texas A&M University
22. Jade LaDow: Elizabeth City State University
23. Latrice Landry: University of Pennsylvania
24. Claudia Lechuga: Einstein-Montefiore
25. Brianna Lewis: University of North Texas Health Science Center
26. Ming Lim: University of Utah
27. Marie Lluberes: University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras
28. LaToya McDonald: Clemson University
29. Manan Nayak: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
30. Sabina Nduaguba: West Virginia University
31. Peter Ngum: University of Turku/ Johns Hopkins University
32. Sylvianne Njiki: Jackson State University
33. Felicite Noubissi: Jackson State University
34. Ifunanya Nwogbaga: Johns Hopkins University
35. Adaku Ofoegbu: Howard University
36. Gian Pal: Rutgers University
37. Luis Pena Marquez: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
38. Aleef Rahman: CDC National Foundation & New York State Department of Health
39. Aaron Rapp: University of the Virgin Islands
40. Carly Rose: Case Western Reserve University
41. Kerritt Saintal: Eastern Virginia Medical School
42. Makayla Schissel: University of Nebraska Medical Center
43. Andrew Thais: University of California Irvine
44. Van Truong: University of Pennsylvania
45. Nicole Velmeshev: North Carolina Central University
46. Jorge Viera-Vera: University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center
47. Xuan Wang: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
48. A. Ian Wong: Duke University
49. Fengxia Yan: Morehouse School of Medicine
50. Sean Yen: Johns Hopkins University
51. Elaine Yu: Vitalant Research Institute
52. Preeti Zanwar: Texas A&M University
53. Ling Zhang: Jackson State University
54. Zhen Zhang: Northern Arizona University
55. Proteus Zolia: Boston Medical Center

Impact

The AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Training Program has increased researcher diversity in AI/ML by training individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to gaining proficiency in AI/ML data analysis and applying their expertise to benefit communities underrepresented in biomedical research. Traineeship graduates are equipped to conduct in-depth analysis of large datasets essential for cutting-edge biomedical and socioeconomic research.

Cohort 1 Outcomes

The following infographic highlights key metrics from the AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Training Program for Cohort 1, which comprised of 55 trainees. It highlights participation, feedback, task completion, and overall progress within both the Clinical Science and Data Science tracks. (Some metrics may vary based on trainee evaluation response totals; variations have been indicated below).

View additional Cohort 1 accomplishments here: AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Cohort 1 Trainee Achievements

Program Inquiries

All questions and inquiries regarding the AIM-AHEAD & NCATS Training Program can be directed to the AIM-AHEAD Training Programs HelpDesk. Submit a help ticket here: https://helpdesk.aim-ahead.net/ticket/create/aim-ahead_training_programs