Engagement & Outreach

Maximizing industry collaborations increase support and broaden audiences and locations for the seminars. Leading metabolomics experts at both the national and international level facilitate scientific knowledge and forge potentially valuable interactions. Seminar series provide technology updates to metabolomics researchers. Another advantage is workshops for hands on training in mass spectrometry operations and data analysis, as well as related topics and activities.

Supporting our Educational Mission

A strong education university-wide component for Center aligns well with the strategic initiative of GUMC for integrating research and education in systems biology and systems medicine across the entire campus. Multiple programs are already offered that are relevant to the educational goals of the Center, including the “Clinical Metabolomics” graduate course (SYSM 596) that runs every Spring semester under the co-directorship of Drs. Cheema and Fornace. Several of these programs run under the interdisciplinary MS degree in Biochemistry as a well as a funded program run by the GU- Howard CTSA.

Using existing resources and incorporating new courses, the Center is creating an independent track focused on developing scientists with sound knowledge of biology who are well-versed with metabolomics technology. Students from the College and from GUMC, as well as from neighboring institutions would be able to take advantage of these activities, and some already do. In addition to formal courses, internships may be offered, as well as customized training and technology certifications. The educational and training activities of the Center will be developed, led, and delivered by subject matter experts in the fields of analytical chemistry, biostatistics, bioinformatics, population sciences, systems biology, translational medicine, and biochemistry.

These activities will be further supported by Advancement efforts and industry partners, such as Waters who has suggested scholarships and other partners, who are investigating new technology training tracks. Additionally, Center faculty will continue familiarizing clinicians with opportunities to apply metabolomics in a systems medicine approach. This highly interdisciplinary group of faculty, complemented by their strong background in basic, clinical and population research with educational activities, make GU uniquely poised for activities in the CMS.