Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Crunching Microbes: Real-World Data Science with Microbiome Data program offers a guided entry into biomedical data science using real-world microbial datasets. This program is designed for undergraduate students and provides a comprehensive introduction to data science in the life sciences.

Program Objectives

The primary objective of this program is to expose undergraduate students to data science in the life sciences using microbial data. Students will gain foundational skills in research computing and R programming, get hands-on experience analyzing real microbiome data, and learn essential concepts in bioinformatics, statistics, and data science.

Program Structure

The program is a one-week, full-time experience that takes place from Monday to Friday. Participants will:

• Gain foundational skills in research computing and R programming
• Get hands-on experience analyzing real microbiome data from the Wolf Pack Study
• Learn essential concepts in bioinformatics, statistics, and data science
• Perform quality control, taxonomic profiling, and visualization of 16S rRNA sequencing data
• Interpret microbiome results and connect them to biological insights
• Develop and test a research hypothesis or question using real data
• Create a scientific presentation and share findings in a brief lightning talk

Eligibility

The program is directed towards students who are active undergraduate students at any Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institution and are 18 years or older if housing is part of the program. Students from all majors and academic standing (freshmen to seniors) are welcome to apply. Graduate students will be considered if the available spots are not filled by undergraduates.

Program Dates

The program is currently offering sessions on:

• March 16-20, 2026, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (during the southern Nevada spring break)
• Additional sessions are planned for summer 2026, with details to be announced in spring 2026

Application Process

To apply, students must:

• Complete and submit the online application
• Prepare and upload a one-page, single-spaced personal statement addressing their academic background, scientific interests, research experience (if any), and what they hope to gain from the research experience
• Upload their current unofficial transcript
• Indicate one academic reference and provide their contact information in the application form

Program Details

The research program runs for one week, Monday through Friday, and offers a fully immersive introduction to biomedical data science, with a primary focus on the human gut microbiome. Students will move through the core stages of a real research project, gaining practical skills and confidence in working with data from an active study.

Logistics

• The program takes place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, during the southern Nevada spring break
• Transportation to and from the UNLV campus is not provided, but a parking pass will be provided if needed
• No housing is included in this program
• Meals during the duration of the boot camp will be provided

Presenters

The program is presented by the Nevada INBRE Data Science Core, the Department of Nutrition, and features the following presenters:

• Juli Petereit, Ph.D., director, Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno
• Cassandra Hui, Ph.D., scientist, Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada, Reno
• Steven Frese, Ph.D., assistant professor, University of Nevada, Reno
• Matt Bolino, Ph.D. graduate student, University of Nevada, Reno

Acknowledgement

This boot camp is made possible by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM) from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.