The Summer internship for INdigenous peoples in Genomics (SING) USA workshop works to advance Indigenous familiarity and leadership in genomic research via training by primarily Indigenous faculty to increase community benefit. Ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) and other impacts of genomic research are necessary to cover due to historical community harm from a lack of Indigenous people leading research or being trained to engage research teams when approached. Anecdotal reflections from participants indicate the importance of SING in career growth. Still, a formal analysis of its impacts on understanding genomics and support throughout careers is lacking. To define the impacts and implications of the SING program on alumni and instructor careers and networks, the research team conducted a thematic analysis using grounded theory through a series of semi-structured focus groups and interviews via Zoom with 23 participants between February and March 2023. Participants provided feedback and recommendations regarding their SING experience with the majority rating their impression of the workshop 8 or above out of 10 (n=20/23). Emerging themes reveal that SING promoted intergenerational mentorship by involving experienced faculty members, increased advocacy for and with their home communities, and opened a space for bioethical discussions that impact their educational experience and career development. Participants emphasized the importance of and desire for an Indigenous safe space for networking and bioethical discussions. These perspectives will inform adjustments to the SING curriculum and approach while also guiding future approaches in empowering Indigenous scientists and communities in scientific research and its bioethical approaches.
Authors: Leah Nez, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Luke Nez, University of California, Los Angeles; Vanessa Hiratsuka, Southcentral Foundation; Nanibaa' Garrison, University of California, Los Angeles; Katrina Claw, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
