Research Training

Students in our program will engage in rigorous research, culminating in the production of a journal-formatted manuscript by the end of their training. The research process is structured to ensure a thorough understanding of research methodologies, ethics, and practical application within the field of genetic counseling.

Throughout the research process, students will acquire a wide range of skills and experiences, including but not limited to:

• Collaboration with a research committee and chair
• Evaluation of appropriate IRB protections and completion of an IRB application, as needed
• Application of various methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, retrospective) to address the research question
• Data collection and analysis leading to informed conclusions
• Presentation of key findings to the research committee and a broader audience
• Mastery of core skills essential for the research process

Research Project Selection

Students have the flexibility to choose a research project that aligns with their interests. They may opt to develop a novel project or contribute to a portion of a larger research initiative at UT Southwestern (UTSW) or other affiliated sites. The scope of the project will be determined by its type (existing or new), methodology, and student interest. All research projects are expected to be substantial enough to warrant publication.

Students can employ various research methodologies—quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, or retrospective approaches—to analyze data and address unanswered questions in the literature. Projects can explore a wide range of dimensions across genetic counseling in their research project. The research process is designed to encourage creativity and innovation, with the goal of advancing the genetic counseling profession and serving the communities involved.

• Year 1

  Foundational Coursework

  In their first year, students will build a strong foundation in research through a series of specialized courses:

  • GC5103 GC Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research
  • GC5104 Genetic Counseling Research Skills
  • CTM 5105 Ethics in Clinical Research (in conjunction with the O’Donnell School of Public Health)

  These courses are designed to guide students through the process of identifying an area of interest, developing a research question, hypothesis, and aims, and introducing them to essential research methodologies. Throughout the year, students present their research ideas for peer and instructor feedback, refining their proposals throughout the first year. By the end of these courses, students will complete a research proposal in collaboration with their course instructors and research chair.

• Year 2

  Independent Research and Manuscript Preparation

  In their second year, students will engage in independent research through the GC5207 "Independent Genetic Counseling Research" course, earning two credits each semester in both fall and spring. Under the supervision of their research chair and the UTSWGCP leadership, students will conduct their research, presenting their progress throughout the year.

  Completion of the research portion of the program requires:

  • A journal-formatted manuscript
  • An oral presentation and defense of their thesis
  • A mutually agreed-upon dissemination plan between the student and their research committee

   

• Disseminating Research

  Disseminating research facilitates the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry and the ethical responsibility to contribute to the collective knowledge base. Every research project builds on the work of others—previous studies, mentorship, and institutional resources—and withholding findings from the broader community undermines this foundation. Students are highly encouraged to submit their abstracts to national conferences and pursue publication of their finished manuscripts. UTSWGCP is passionate about sharing new insights from student research to ensure that the intellectual and material contributions of research participants are honored.

Research Committee and Mentorship

Each student will be supported by a research committee consisting of at least 3 individuals, including a committee chair.