The Computational Image Analysis Platform (CIMAP) for the Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) piloted a spring break research experience at the University of Florida in March of 2023.
From March 13-17, 2023, interns joined an interdisciplinary team and explored an artificial intelligence project that merges machine learning, computational pathology and cell biology, and health services research. Spring break undergraduate research interns learned cell mapping techniques and applied their new skills to an ongoing project. Interns also received coaching and guidance on academic and professional skills development. The program was attended by one Leigh University student and one University of Florida student majoring in computer science and health science, respectively. Sessions were taught by CMI Lab personnel.
Their Internship curriculum included didactic and hands-on cell mapping activities using the CIMAP platform, academic enrichment sessions (on establishing a research focus, building a resume, and creating scientific communications), team science sessions (managing team conflicts, using teaming tools, and conducting strategic team science), participation in daily briefings to provide feedback, and a session on how to create effective abstracts and posters. The students wrote and submitted an abstract to be presented at the UF Center for Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium on April 4, 2023.
CIMAP focuses on large-scale digital microscopy image data analysis and fusion of image and molecular omics data that have significant impacts on human health. (See a demo of the tool at https://bit.ly/3qz83qk.)
HuBMAP focuses on mapping all the trillions of cells in a human body at single-cell resolution using multi-omics microscopy imaging and image analysis. Trainees in this project will have opportunity to learn and apply cutting-edge machine learning tools to fuse high-dimensional, multi-omics data to help derive an atlas for healthy human reference. To learn more about this recently funded NIH project from the HuBMAP consortium, visit https://hubmapconsortium.org/.
