JAX and Connecticut State Community College educators advance genomics workforce training with online modules

A major investment in bioscience education is now reaching college classrooms across Connecticut and beyond. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system have completed development of Genomics in Action, a federally-funded series of 13 online learning modules designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in bioscience, biotechnology, and precision medicine.

By connecting genomics concepts to workplace applications and career pathways, the initiative expands access to genomics education and helps strengthen the future bioscience workforce nationwide.

Supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, the project was developed through a partnership between JAX and CSCU, with Connecticut State Community College (CT State) faculty serving as key collaborators in the design and development of the curriculum.

Meeting the growing demand for genomics literacy

Genomics—the field of biology focused on studying all the DNA of an organism—is shaping healthcare, biotechnology, and biomedical research, making a foundational understanding of the field increasingly valuable across a range of educational and career pathways. Yet many students encounter genomics as a complex or abstract topic that lacks connection to their everyday lives and future careers.

Genomics in Action helps make those connections visible.

Through authentic examples, applied scenarios, and stories from near-peers working in biomedical and healthcare settings, the modules introduce foundational concepts in ways that are practical, approachable, and relevant to students’ interests and future career possibilities.

“Genomics in Action brings to life important concepts and skills in biomedical research and healthcare while providing concrete examples of how they are used across multiple career paths. We are thrilled to have partnered with the CSCU system to develop these resources and support the growth of the biomedical workforce across Connecticut and beyond,” said Sarah Wojiski, director of education at JAX and principal investigator on the grant.

The online modules cover topics including genomic variation, sequencing technologies, precision medicine, CRISPR gene editing, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics. Designed for flexibility, the resources can be integrated into a variety of undergraduate courses and disciplines at both introductory and advanced levels.

Built with faculty, for faculty

Faculty partners at CT State collaborated with the JAX Genomic Education team to shape content that aligns with instructional goals, workforce expectations, and student needs. Faculty feedback informed both the content and the ways instructors can use the materials within existing courses.

For many educators, the modules enhance current course offerings by combining cutting-edge concepts in genomics with engaging, student-centered learning experiences.

"The Genomics in Action modules turn abstract concepts into real-world scenarios that students can relate to," one CT State faculty member shared in pilot feedback. "These scenarios show students how the content they are learning can be applied to situations in their everyday lives."

To support different learning styles, the modules include short videos, animations, interactive questions, case studies, and career-focused content. Together, these elements help students understand both the science and its real-world significance.

Connecting students to career insights

The modules also introduce students to people whose educational and career paths may feel within reach, including research technicians and pediatric respiratory specialists. Near-peer videos feature recent CT State graduates working in biomedical and healthcare settings, giving students a window into different career pathways and professional environments.

These stories complement the scientific content by helping students see that genomics is not limited to one profession or advanced degree. It is knowledge that can support many roles across healthcare, biotechnology, laboratory science, and biomedical research.

"My students immediately connect with the individuals featured in the modules because they see people who are navigating similar educational journeys and working in fields that feel attainable," shared an instructor at CT State.

Turning investment into workforce impact

The initiative builds on more than a decade of collaboration between JAX and CSCU. Since 2014, the partnership has advanced biotechnology and genomics education through curriculum development, faculty support, workforce development programs, internships, and career exploration initiatives.

“This partnership gives our students access to emerging science in a way that connects directly to the careers and industries growing here in Connecticut,” said CSCU Interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell. “By working with JAX to bring genomics into the classroom, we are helping students build relevant skills, explore new career pathways and see themselves as part of Connecticut’s growing bioscience workforce.”

Over the past year, JAX and CSCU have piloted the Genomics in Action curriculum across several CT State community colleges, laying the groundwork for broader adoption across the country. By providing ready-to-use curriculum materials and career-focused learning experiences, the partnership helps educators integrate genomics into existing courses while reducing barriers to implementation. Early feedback from participating faculty highlights its potential to make genomics education more accessible, engaging, and relevant for students pursuing careers in science, healthcare, and biotechnology. The free curriculum is now available to colleges and universities nationwide.