Epigenetics Boot Camp: Planning and Analyzing DNA Methylation Studies

BOOT CAMP OVERVIEW

Summer 2019 dates: June 10-11, 2019; 8:30am – 5:30pm

This two-day intensive boot camp integrates the principle concepts of epigenetics and the effects of risk factors on the epigenome as we step through the key components of designing and executing DNA methylation studies. Led by a team of scientists with more than 36 years of combined expertise in the field of environmental epigenetics, the workshop will integrate seminar lectures with hands-on computer sessions to put concepts into practice. Emphasis will be given to leveraging existing resources from ongoing studies and initiating new investigations. The afternoon lab sessions will provide an opportunity to work hands-on with real methylation data generated by the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC (850k) BeadChip platform. Participants will learn and practice data handling, cleaning, and basic analysis of epigenome-wide DNA methylation data.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with the following topics:

• Principles of epigenetics
• Concept ideation and study design
• Sample collection and processing
• Laboratory methods and platforms for analysis
• Data handling and cleaning
• Data analysis
• Study design advantages and pitfalls
• Emerging epigenetic topics and laboratory platforms

Investigators at all career stages are welcome to attend, and we particularly encourage trainees and early-stage investigators to participate.

PREREQUISITES AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Each participant is required to bring a personal laptop as all lab sessions will be done on your personal laptop. Tablets and ipads will not work with the platform being used.
2. The Boot Camp will use data sets in R, therefore we strongly recommend that participants have a basic understanding of this platform prior to attending the Boot Camp. It is ok if you have never used this platform before because the tutorials outlined below will provide you with the basic skills needed for Boot Camp success.

R TUTORIALS

Knowing basic R platform and commands are highly recommended for the Boot Camp as noted in prerequisites above. If you are new to R or need a refresher, you can review the below tutorials to be well prepared:

• Download R: R is the free software programming language we will use. Choose the correct version for your laptop: Mac/Windows
• Download R studio: R studio is free software that will help us develop programs in R. Choose the correct version for your laptop: Mac/Windows
• How to Download R and R studio: A tutorial on how to download R and R Studio
• How to Install a Package in R studio: Steps to install a package in r studio
• Introduction to R: A free edX class on R fundamentals using Datacamp platform

If you have any specific questions about R and R studio in the context of the Epigenetics Boot Camp, please email us.

For updates and to register, click HERE.

Job: Data Project with RISE

The Center for Reproductive Health Research in the SouthEast (RISE) is looking for 2 MPH/MSPH students to work with an off-site partner on a complementary data-heavy project as part of The Changing Landscape of Publicly Funded Family Planning in Georgia. RISE is an interdisciplinary center of scholarship dedicated to building an evidence base and implementing solutions for the adverse reproductive health outcomes, disparities, and sociopolitical determinants impacting women and their families in the Southeastern United States.

This job is for 10-20 hours/week at a salary of $12/hr. The schedule is flexible. Strong epidemiology/biostatistics skills are highly preferred.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities:

• Will review background materials and attend specific trainings related to data collection and reporting.
• Attend and participate in off-site data collection.
• Assist offsite partner in collecting data from multiple electronic health record systems and performing a concurrent and retrospective health impact assessment from these data.
• May perform other duties as requested by Project Director.

The application can be found on Handshake by clicking HERE.

NORC’s Summer Internship, due 1/22

Applications are due 1/22 at 5pm CST.

Details:
-9 weeks, 6/17-8/16
-$20/hr for grad students
-Experience a summer of hands-on survey design, analysis, and operations
-Work in an environment where you’ll gain teamwork and project management skills that are important in any career
-Combine social science and statistical methods with the practical challenges of day-to-day project implementation
-Apply and develop your technical skills
-Learn the principles of survey research from its leading practitioners

Requirements:
-Preparation in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
-Skills in statistical or general-purpose programming (e.g., SAS, Python, R, Java) recommended
-Strong interest in pursuing a career in social science research
-Curiosity about how to build a study design from fundamental data collection procedures
-Conscientiousness and ability to thrive in a team environment
-Creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities
-Strong written and verbal communication skills

For more information and to apply, click HERE.