Genomic Literacy Research Articles

Evaluation of a Master’s in Genomic Medicine framework: A national, multiprofessional program to educate health care professionals in NHS England

PurposeGenomic medicine is revolutionizing health care but requires health care professionals to update their understanding of genomics and its application to clinical practice for successful implementation. To meet this need, Health Education England developed the Master’s in Genomic Medicine, a national multiprofessional program to increase genomic literacy in the National Health Service workforce. This study summarizes an evaluation of the program, which will inform its future development. MethodsUnderpinned by Moore’s evaluation framework, a mixed methods approach was used to characterize (1) learner demographics, (2) perceptions of the program, (3) knowledge and/or qualifications achieved, and (4) the outcome(s) for practice in the workplace. ResultsLearners were a diverse cohort of health care professionals, including doctors, health care scientists, nurses and midwives. Participant satisfaction was high for all elements of the program, including the curriculum, learning environment(s), and multiprofessional cohort(s), despite the challenges of engaging working professionals in part-time learning. Both learners and their managers reported enhanced genomic practice after completion of their studies. ConclusionThe Master’s in Genomic Medicine program is an effective approach to professional education in genomic medicine. This broad multiprofessional learning complements training aimed at specific groups of health care professionals.

Patient Experience of Complex Genomic Sequencing Exploring Patient Preference, Barriers, and Enablers for Delivery.

Despite increasing evidence of benefit supporting complex genomic sequencing (CGS) in personalizing cancer therapy, its widespread uptake remains limited. This mixed-methods, prospective cross-institutional demonstration study was designed to evaluate implementation of CGS in the care of patients with advanced cancer. DNA sequencing was undertaken on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and matched blood was completed with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Comprehensive Cancer Panel; 391 genes via central laboratory. Oncologists performed consent and result delivery. Patients completed pre- and post-test surveys, including validated and study-specific questions and, if eligible, semistructured interviews. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with study clinicians to evaluate processes. One hundred ninety-nine (63%) had ≥1 finding with the potential to affect management, including 172 (55%) whose finding could affect their treatment options, 25 (8%) whose test led to the resolution of diagnostic ambiguity, and 49 (16%) with a pathogenic germline variant. In 6-month follow-up, 50 (16%) participants had their subsequent therapy changed on the basis of their CGS results. Two hundred ninety-three (88% of adult patients) completed surveys at three time points. At consent, patients cited multifaceted value in testing, showed good understanding of basic concepts, but most (69%) overestimated the likelihood of result-led change. Post-test patients remained consistently satisfied with accessing CGS. 21% struggled with understanding results but there were low levels of decisional regret after participation (89% had nil/mild regret). Clinicians cited collaboration and communication as critical to delivery. Patients undergoing CGS are generally satisfied and place value on its use beyond potential therapeutic benefit. Our results suggest that to improve test utility and delivery of CGS with value to patients and investing institutions, focus must be placed on addressing the additional barriers to its wider implications including efforts to improve process efficiencies, clinician genomic literacy, and decision-making support.

The Screening Strategies Used to Establish Egyptian Women Entrepreneurs’ Attitudes towards Genetic Technology

In this quantitative study, the researcher examined the screening strategies used to establish Egyptian women entrepreneurs' attitudes toward genetic technology. Using a questionnaire, the researcher collected data from 318 Egyptian women entrepreneurs. From applying the path analysis through Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 26.0, this study’s findings demonstrate genomic knowledge’s positive effect on attitudes towards genetic technology (β = 0.176; p = 0.003). The path analysis shows that, on the one hand, the feasibility of screening procedures has a positive effect on attitudes toward genetic technology (β = 0.171; p = 0.000). On the other hand, this study’s findings show that societal and health system issues negatively and not statistically significantly affect attitudes toward genetic technology (β = -0.007; p = 0.556). In addition, this study’s findings help towards initiatives to improve genomic literacy through educational programs and in association with genetic experts. Moreover, this study’s conclusions foster community assignation and open discourse to generate a knowledgeable and supportive environment, ensuring that policies and practices align with women entrepreneurs' unique needs and concerns about genetic technology.

Developing Policy Infrastructure to Guide Genomics-Informed Oncology Nursing in Canada: An Interpretive Descriptive Study.

Genomic technologies such as genetic testing and precision treatments are rapidly becoming routine in oncology care, and nurses play an increasingly important role in supporting the growing demands for genomics-informed healthcare. Policy infrastructure such as competencies, standards, scope of practice statements, and education and curriculum frameworks are urgently needed to guide these practice and education changes. This study is part of a larger three-phase project to develop recommendations and catalyze action for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice for the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology and the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. This phase aimed to enhance understanding of policy needs and action drivers for genomics-informed oncology nursing education and practice through the perspectives of Canadian oncology nurses and patient partners. Interpretive description methodology guided the study. Twenty semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted; 17 with oncology nurses in various domains of practice, and three with patient partner representatives. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Our analysis identified three themes: 1) nurses and patients recognize that it is time for action, 2) nurses and patients see advantages to executing intentional, strategic, and collaborative policy development, and 3) leadership and advocacy are required to drive action. Nursing policy infrastructure is required to increase genomic literacy, support nurses in providing safe patient care, and establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities within the interdisciplinary team. Strong leadership and advocacy at the practice, organizational, and systems levels are vital to accelerating action.

Impact of a Professional Development Course for Doctoral Nurses and Students on Genomic Conceptual Knowledge and Competencies.

Universally, nurses' limited educational opportunities to expand their genomic literacy may have implications on patient care management, research, and training. To evaluate the impact of a self-paced online course on genomic knowledge and competency acquisition in a sample of nurses possessing a doctoral degree and doctoral students. Pre- and postcourse data were collected using the "Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory" (GNCI) (N=129) and a self-report survey based on the Essential Genetic and Genomic Competencies for Nurses with Graduate Degrees (N=131). GNCI scores in all 4 topical categories and in 9 of the 16 domains significantly improved. All Genetic Competency scores significantly improved. Significant correlations were observed between Genetic Competency self-ratings and GNCI scores precourse and change of scores. The positive outcomes should encourage the development of more accessible educational opportunities for nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve genomic literacy and competency.

Return of polygenic risk scores in research: Stakeholders’ views on the eMERGE-IV study

Research on polygenic risk scores (PRS) for common, genetically complex chronic diseases aims to improve health-related predictions, tailor risk-reducing interventions, and improve health outcomes. Yet, the study and use of PRS in clinical settings raise equity, clinical, and regulatory challenges that can be greater for individuals from historically marginalized racial, ethnic, and other minoritized communities. As part of the NHGRI-funded Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) IV Network, we conducted online focus groups with patients/community members, clinicians, and members of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to explore their views on key issues, including PRS research, return of PRS results, clinical translation, and barriers and facilitators to health behavioral changes in response to PRS results. Across stakeholder groups, our findings indicate support for PRS development and a strong interest in having PRS results returned to research participants. However, we also found multi-level barriers and significant differences in stakeholders’ views about what is needed and possible for successful implementation. These include researcher-participant interaction formats, health and genomic literacy, and a range of structural barriers such as financial instability, insurance coverage, and the absence of health-supporting infrastructure and affordable healthy food options in poorer neighborhoods. Our findings highlight the need to revisit and implement measures in PRS studies (e.g., incentives and resources for follow-up care) as well as system-level policies to promote equity in genomic research and health outcomes.

THE ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN PERSONALISED MEDICINE: A REVIEW OF INTEGRATING PHARMACOGENOMICS INTO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This paper explores the transformative role of pharmacists in integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. Pharmacogenomics, the study of genetic influences on drug response, presents an unprecedented opportunity to personalise medication management. The pharmacist's role has evolved from medication dispensing to becoming crucial in interpreting and applying genomic data for optimised therapeutic outcomes. We delve into the foundations of pharmacogenomics, historical milestones, and its applications in clinical practice. The pharmacist's responsibilities include interpreting genetic data, collaborating with healthcare providers, counselling patients, and integrating pharmacogenomics into Medication Therapy Management. Challenges, such as ethical considerations and legal frameworks, are navigated to ensure responsible genomic practice. Education emerges as a cornerstone, with recommendations to enhance genomic literacy through comprehensive educational programs. Ethical considerations highlight the importance of informed consent, privacy safeguards, and equitable access to pharmacogenomic information. The future of pharmacogenomics in pharmacy practice relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, continuous education, and ethical adherence, positioning pharmacists as integral contributors to the personalised medicine landscape.
 Keywords: Pharmacogenomics, Personalised Medicine, Pharmacy Practice, Genomic Literacy, Interdisciplinary Collaboration.

Mental Well-Being, Lifestyle, Genomics Health-Related Literacy on the Quality of Life among Individuals with Non-Communicable Diseases

This study explored the predictability of quality of life (QoL) based on mental well-being, lifestyle (physical activity and smoking behavior), and genomics health-related literacy among 349 individuals with non-communicable diseases in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, in early 2024. Using a descriptive, correlational (predictive) design, data were collected via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Lifestyle Questionnaire (DLBQ), Genomic Health-Related Literacy Questionnaire (UNC-GKS), and WHOQOL-BREF. Findings revealed moderate levels of mental well-being, physical activity, smoking behavior, genomics literacy, and overall QoL. Correlation analyses showed that mental well-being was significantly associated with physical activity, while smoking behavior and genomics literacy were correlated with QoL. However, mental well-being did not predict QoL, which was instead predicted by lifestyle factors and genomics health literacy. These findings informed the development of a theoretical framework and enhancement plan to improve QoL in this population.

Genomic Literacy among Nurses in Jordan: A Population-based Study.

The current study aimed to measure genomic literacy among Jordanian nurses by evaluating their understanding of key genomic concepts and how they view genomics in nursing practice. Descriptive, Cross-sectional, and Correlational designs were used in this study. A descriptive design was used using the Genomic Nursing Concept Inventory (GNCI©), a 31-item instrument. Data were collected from a total of 751 participants. A total of 406 participants were female, and 395 (52.6%) were single. The mean score of the genome basics was 2.33, ranging from 0 to 13. The mean score of the knowledge about mutation was 0.57, ranging from 0 to 3. At the same time, the mean score for inheritance and genomic healthcare was 1.74 and 1.53, respectively. Nurses working in the oncology center had the highest genomic knowledge score (mean = 7.05, SD = 4.24) compared with nurses in other healthcare sectors (p = < .001). There is a low level of genomic literacy among Jordanian nurses. Nurses must have sufficient genomic literacy to provide the best nursing care to patients, their families, and the community. Jordanian nurse authorities must develop competencies representing a minimum standard of care to provide competent genomic and genetically focused care.

Genetic services survey—experience of people with rare diseases and their families accessing genetic services in the Irish Republic

Irish Health Service objectives state that patients with rare diseases should have timely access to genomic diagnostics with appropriate pre and post-test counselling. However, waiting times for clinical genetics outpatient appointments, during the study period, were up to two years as staffing levels remain low. A targeted public online survey was conducted in January 2022 to capture the experiences of Rare Disease families trying to access genetic testing and clinical genetic clinics in the Irish Republic. Irish patients experience significant waiting times to access clinical genetic services and self-report anxiety and stress, related to delayed access to diagnosis, clarity around recurrence risk and follow-up management. This negatively impacts personal decisions around family planning, education and employment and has a significant impact on family members seeking clarity on their own risk. Mainstream genetic testing activity is significant. Families report concern over the competency of health care professionals arranging and delivering genetic results and delays in accessing clinical genetics expertise to take them through the clinical implications. Timely access to clinical genetics expertise is important to ensure families with rare diseases have an appropriate understanding of the medical and reproductive implications of a genetic diagnosis and access to relevant care pathways. A national framework to develop competency in genomic literacy for health-care professionals including a national genetic test directory may be beneficial. Clinical genetics teams require ongoing support and investment to ensure the delivery of a safe and effective service for Irish families with rare diseases.

Stakeholders' expectations of precision medicine: A qualitative study to identify areas of (mis)alignment.

To sustainably address challenges in implementing precision medicine (PM), coordinated efforts of different stakeholders are required. Understanding their expectations represents a first key step toward aligning on future actions and strategies. Here, we aimed to explore the expectations of different stakeholders from themselves and each other regarding PM. This collaborative qualitative study was initiated by the global multistakeholder consortium From Testing to Targeted Treatments (FT3). Structured interviews were conducted with participants from five stakeholder groups: patients/patient advocates, healthcare providers (HCPs), researchers, policymakers/regulators/payers and industry representatives. A broad reach across geography, roles, experiences, and disease areas was sought. Results were analyzed by grounded theory methodology. All stakeholders stated that optimal implementation of PM can only be achieved through collaboration; industry representatives were the biggest promoters of collaboration. Stakeholders agreed that PM should be implemented focusing on the patient's best interest; HCPs were seen as important gatekeepers for PM by interacting directly with patients, and policymakers/payers were perceived as the most important drivers of access to PM. Areas of misalignment included the role of industry in clinical trial design and in access to PM (perceived as important by patients, HCPs and policymakers but not by industry representatives), and the stakeholders responsible for elaborating guidelines on PM use (patients indicated policymakers, while researchers indicated themselves). Priorities for optimal PM implementation and suggested actions included the need for enhancing high-level policy focus, improving genomic literacy, optimizing the health technology assessment for PM, advocating for equitable access, promoting collaboration between industry and other stakeholder groups and development of reliable research standards. Stakeholder expectations revealed in this study suggested that no stakeholder group can drive change on its own; a global, multistakeholder collaborative approach that brings together current programs and best practices to support universal access to PM is needed.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the multi-ethnic population of the United Arab Emirates on genomic medicine and genetic testing

IntroductionThe adoption and implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics (PGx) in healthcare systems have been very slow and limited worldwide. Major barriers to knowledge translation into clinical practice lie in the level of literacy of the public of genetics and genomics. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) multi-ethnic communities toward genomic medicine and genetic testing.MethodA cross-sectional study using validated questionnaires was distributed to the participants. Descriptive statistics were performed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge of genomics.Results757 individuals completed the survey. Only 7% of the participants had a good knowledge level in genetics and genomics (95% CI 5.3–9.0%). However, 76.9% of the participants were willing to take a genetic test if their relatives had a genetic disease. In addition, the majority indicated that they would disclose their genetic test results to their spouses (61.5%) and siblings (53.4%).ConclusionsThis study sets the stage for the stakeholders to plan health promotion and educational campaigns to improve the genomic literacy of the community of the UAE as part of their efforts for implementing precision and personalized medicine in the country.

Impact of genomic literacy components on genetic testing decision-making in the general Japanese population in the 20s and 30s.

In promoting genomic medicine, genomic literacy, which is the public's ability to acquire and utilize the knowledge and skills related to genetics and genomes, requires urgent improvement. This study determined how the three components of genomic literacy (genetic/genomic knowledge, health numeracy, and interactive and critical health literacy) are associated with risk and benefit perception for genetic testing and decision-making related to genetic testing. Using an online questionnaire, we surveyed genetic/genomic knowledge, health numeracy, interactive and critical health literacy, risk and benefit perception of genetic testing, and intention toward genetic testing of 857 Japanese citizens (aged 20-39). A vignette was created to measure the intention toward genetic testing, and respondents were asked about their willingness to undergo genetic testing and to share the results with their partners and children. The path analysis, which was done by creating a path diagram revealing the relationship of the three components with risk and benefit perception, revealed that genetic and genomic knowledge and interactive and critical health literacy affected the respondents' intention to undergo genetic testing via recognition of the benefits of such testing. Further, it was suggested that health numeracy affects benefit perception through risk perception toward genetic testing. However, the goodness of fit of this model for the intention of conveying positive results to partners and children was relatively low, thus indicating that the hypothetical model needs to be reexamined.

Marketing and publicity strategies for launching the pilot phase of the Hong Kong Genome Project

Aim: Public trust and confidence determine the acceptance of any population-based genome project. The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) was established in May 2020 by the Food and Health Bureau (Currently the Health Bureau) to spearhead the integration of genomic medicine into mainstream healthcare. One of HKGI’s goals is to enhance public genomic literacy and engagement by launching the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP).

Improved awareness of national genomic initiatives is needed to facilitate genomic education and training in Wales for pharmacists

Background: Wales has placed itself at the centre of the genomics revolution with the ambitious aim of improving patient outcomes and encouraging new discoveries. Whilst pharmacists play a key role in precision medicine; linking patients and their medication, there is a paucity of research pertaining to their genomic literacy and educational training needs. Objectives: This study sought to explore Welsh pharmacists' genomic awareness, knowledge, and educational needs. Methods: To gauge awareness, an online questionnaire was developed and disseminated. Results: Over 88% of respondents (n = 94) reported no awareness of key genomic initiatives and services. Furthermore, 27.7% of respondents believe genomics is not relevant to their profession. This in turn has a detrimental impact on their perceptions of genomic educational and training needs. Conclusion: The authors conclude that there is a disconnect between national policy rhetoric and the reality of pharmacists, highlighting the need for greater engagement with the healthcare workforce if Wales is to become a key player in genomic medicine.

A Model for the Integration of Genome Sequencing Into a Pediatric Cardiology Clinic.

Genetic testing in cardiology improves the management of patients and families. Genome Sequencing (GS) is a comprehensive, non-targeted approach to genetic testing, and an established pillar of precision medicine used to increase genetic discoveries, diagnoses, and provide individualized care. Challenges with integrating GS into cardiology include: a lack of genomic literacy, recurrent data interpretation, and returning results to patients. The Cardiac Genome Clinic proposes a multidisciplinary model to support the integration of GS into paediatric cardiology. Preliminary data shows that use of this model supported 1) new diagnoses, 2) identification of medically actionable secondary findings, and 3) improved medication management.

Leading Canadian Nurses into the Genomic Era of Healthcare.

Genomics is having a profound impact on every aspect of healthcare. To support nurses to develop genomic literacy and integrate genomics into care, an engagement framework was created. The framework uses principles of nursing intraprofessional collaboration, the knowledge-to-action cycle and the diffusion of innovations theory. This framework was used to identify six key priorities for action and leadership strategies to accelerate and sustain the nurses' engagement with genomics. With leadership and genomic literacy, nurses can fully participate in the creation and implementation of new care pathways, deliver education, advance research linked to genomics and improve patient experience and health outcomes.

Abstract 6337: Assessing genomic literacy among medical trainees and practitioners in Pakistan

Abstract Genomic literacy has a significant impact on the successful application and deployment of new practices such as precision medicine. It can be described as the ability to achieve, process, understand, and apply genomic knowledge to health-related decision-making. The aim of this study is to assess the level of genomic literacy, including the knowledge of genetic testing, its outcomes, and its significance among medical trainees and practitioners in Pakistan. This study also offers recommendations for improving genomic literacy within the medical community in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study for which an online questionnaire was designed in the English language using Google Forms. The questionnaire was distributed among trainees and practitioners across Pakistan through online social media platforms. The survey comprised of 36 questions categorized into three sections namely demographics, quantitative questions, and knowledge section. A total of 219 medical professionals (56% trained in medicine while 44% in Dentistry) responded to the survey. Medical practitioners from 27 different cities across Pakistan participated in the survey but with a clear bias towards the city of Peshawar (90%). The majority of the participants (57.5%) were trainee medical officers. Most of the participants in this cohort were aware of genetics, the genome, and PCR technology but 74.9% were not familiar with genetic tests in their specialty. The mean total score for the multiple-choice questions among the participants was 62.5% graduates of medicine (65%) outperforming those in dentistry (59%). Participants were asked about their interest in further learning opportunities about genomics, for which 71% answered in affirmation, however, the remaining were not overly interested. Genomic literacy level can be considered satisfactory at the level of classical genetics, yet there is a clear need for training in molecular biology concepts such as protein synthesis, gene expression, and genome structure within the medical community. With a limited sample size and diversity of respondents, the subject warrants a broader survey to assess genomic literacy which can help in better planning for wider adoption of genomic testing in the medical community. Findings of this survey also highlight the need for assessing medical communities in other low-resource and underprivileged settings to help enhance our understanding and avoid a looming ‘genomics divide’. Citation Format: Madina Barakzai, Shagufta Rehmat, Faisal F. Khan. Assessing genomic literacy among medical trainees and practitioners in Pakistan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6337.

Abstract 6310: Designing genomic test reports using a user-centered approach for clinicians in Pakistan

Abstract In the developed world, precision medicine and genomics are transforming traditional healthcare approaches. In spite of rapid technological progress being made in genomics, a 'genomic divide' is emerging between developed and developing countries. This is partly because of the limited genomic literacy of healthcare professionals and a scarcity of available genomics workforce that reportedly deters them from proposing genomic testing. We aim to help reduce this 'genomic divide' by proposing a genomic test report design for clinicians in Pakistan, that incorporates user-centered design principles. We tested two commonly used genomic reportswiththat varied in language, content and layout. Report A was a one-page genomic report from the Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, of a patient with suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Report B was a report from FoundationOneCDx, of a breast carcinoma specimen with confirmed findings mentioned. We employed a qualitative descriptive study design, including a survey for trainees, non-specialists, and specialists. The parameters recorded were: subject comprehension, overall visual impression, level of difficulty of the language, and ease of understanding, along with, actionability and degree of trust. A total of 49 medical professionals across 11 institutes in Pakistan participated in the survey, of which 11 were specialists and 38 were non-specialists. We extracted 19 recommendations from the survey and broadly grouped them into three categories: communication style, report content, and layout. About 25% of the respondents commented that they would prefer a short and concise report, 20.8% wanted the language to be ‘doctor-friendly’ and 8.3% preferred data to be presented in tables. All recommendations were incorporated into our proposed genomic test report template. The template displays the results and what they mean for the patient (in layman's terms for ease of access to non-specialists), what possible action is to be taken by the doctor, and details of further information and support regarding the results. We propose the addition of a box on technical methodology at the end of the report template that may help in assisting with refreshing the genomic knowledge of non-specialists. Our findings have shown that in order to design impactful genomic reports for clinicians in Pakistan, we will have to start with a user-centered design approach. This can be instrumental in helping us improve the adoption of genomic testing in clinics around Pakistan. Citation Format: Momal Agha, Faisal Khan. Designing genomic test reports using a user-centered approach for clinicians in Pakistan [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6310.

Building a Distributed Research Network for Undergraduate Opportunities in Molecular Biochemistry

The COVID‐19 pandemic brought to light the continued issues in access to research opportunities. Many of our undergraduate students at research‐intensive institutes lost their ability to go into labs to gain experience. However, students at most smaller colleges and universities faced these challenges to bring research opportunities to students long before the pandemic. Thus, our lower‐cost community colleges and higher education institutes with diverse students lack equity when it comes to research investments. This highlights the need for bringing research into diverse institutes using novel approaches. Over the past ten years, our team has built a strategy for integrating genomic and molecular bioinformatics tools into undergraduate opportunities. Developing bioinformatics training material, professor training opportunities, summer research opportunities, and organized large scale research projects, our team has developed a distributed research network. Our goal is to bring genomic and bioinformatic literacy to early undergraduate training to increase STEM retention while improving research equity issues. Having students work on characterizing challenging clinical variants, known as Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS), brings novel research projects to students while filling the growing needs of clinical variant characterizations.At the core training, we focus on bringing tools to professors and instructors, lowering the initiation efforts to performing bioinformatics research. These include the optimization of protein homology modeling, molecular dynamic simulations through analysis with a few mouse clicks (or two lines of code for Linux users), 3D protein printing, deep evolutionary profiling with hundreds of species using user‐friendly tools, assessing expression from the NCBI SRA, and integrating genomic databases (GTEx, Human Protein Atlas, Geno2MP, gnomAD, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, PharmGKB, Open Targets Genetics). Once in the hands of professors, they have implemented these tools into independent research projects for their students, coursework design such as bioinformatics classes, and research clubs. Over the past ten years, we have thus impacted hundreds of students with these tools. This can best be highlighted by the student's successes integrating the tools into publications on the NMDA receptors (PMID:34726335), CFTR database for cystic fibrosis (PMID: 32734384), NAA10 variant analysis (PMID: 33335012), multiple sclerosis genetics (PMID: 31482761), COVID‐19 immune response (PMID:34335605), the SARS‐CoV‐2 evolution/structural dynamicome (PMID: 32587094), CCR5 role in diverse phenotypes and bioethics (accepted), and SOX gene developmental biology (in review). Thus, the development of tools and strategies and the distribution of research projects can reach students and faculty at any institute, bringing equitable research opportunities to those who traditionally do not have many opportunities.