91·çÃùÄñ³ª

Crunching Microbes: Real-World Data Science with Microbiome Data

Attention applicants – this program has been renovated! The Microbiome Undergraduate Summer Boot Camp has undergone a comprehensive refresh. Please read all of the updated information carefully, as the program structure has changed significantly. For example, the program is much shorter, no longer includes a wet-lab/bench component, and now takes place multiple times throughout the year.

This updated program offers a guided entry into biomedical data science using real-world microbial datasets. Beyond skill-building, students will complete a short research project that will involve creating a hypothesis, applying analytical methods to test it, and communicating results in a scientific presentation.

The microbiome summer camp student cohort posing together in front of the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª at Lake Tahoe sign in the woods

The primary objective of this program is to expose undergraduate students to data science in the life sciences using microbial data.

During this one-week, full-time program (Monday-Friday) participants will:

  • Gain foundational skills in research computing and R programming
  • Get hands-on experience analyzing real microbiome data from the Wolf Pack Study
  • Learn essential concepts in bioinformatics, statistics and data science
  • Perform quality control, taxonomic profiling and visualization of 16S rRNA sequencing data
  • Interpret microbiome results and connect them to biological insights
  • Develop and test a research hypothesis or question using real data
  • Create a scientific presentation and share findings in brief lightning talk

Blast from the past

Check out the 2023 Nevada Today article about our program.
Read the 2025 Nevada Today article written by two of our student participants.
Learn more in the 2025 Nevada Today article about our upcoming spring bootcamps.

Eligibility

A research student using a pipet at a lab bench

The program is directed towards students who are active undergraduate students at any Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institution and are 18 years or older if housing is part of the program. Students from all majors and academic standing (freshmen to seniors) are welcome to apply. Graduate students will be considered if the available spots are not filled by undergraduates.

Program dates

We are currently offering:

March 16-20, 2026

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (southern Nevada spring break)

  • Full applications are due Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
  • Applicants will be notified of their participation by Jan. 30, 2026

Early applications are encouraged; spots are limited.

We are planning additional sessions for summer 2026. Details will be announced in spring 2026.

How to apply

  • Complete and submit the online application
  • Prepare and upload a one page, single-spaced personal statement addressing
    • your academic background,
    • your scientific interests,
    • your research experience, if any (no experience is required, but if you have experience, we would like to know about it), and
    • what you hope to gain from the research experience.
  • Upload your current unofficial transcript. Indicate one academic reference and provide their contact information in the application form. The application will automatically send them a link to the reference form to fill out. All references need to be submitted directly by the reference in time, and applications are not considered complete until reference is received. Your reference will not receive the link to the reference form until the online application is fully submitted by the applicant. Be sure to inform your reference and remind them to complete the form.

Program details

A view of the Lake Tahoe campus lab with students listening to an instructor

The research program runs for one week, Monday through Friday.

This guided research experience offers a fully immersive introduction to biomedical data science, with a primary focus on the human gut microbiome. Students move through the core stages of a real research project, gaining practical skills and confidence in working with data from an active study.

Participants begin with foundational sessions on the science of the gut microbiome, applied statistics and R coding. From there, they transition into hands-on data exploration and analysis using modern bioinformatics and biomedical data science tools. The program emphasizes how to structure a research study, develop meaningful hypotheses, and interpret results using rigorous computational methods.

This experience is designed to be engaging and relevant for a wide range of majors. Life science students gain exposure to data-driven research, while students in computer science, data science, mathematics or statistics apply their skills to real microbial datasets. The blend of coding, quantitative reasoning and biological interpretation creates a unique learning environment that prepares students for interdisciplinary research.

  • Students will analyze data from Assistant Professor Steven Frese’s Wolf Pack Study.
  • There are no prerequisites, though familiarity with R and basic statistics is helpful.
  • Students will work in teams of two to four, develop a research question, and present their findings through a brief scientific lightning talk.
  • Participation in this program is a full-time commitment.
  • Participants are expected to submit a one-page reflection to the program director within 30 days of completing the program.

This program is free of cost for accepted students enrolled at any NSHE institution.

Logistics

An aerial view of the 91·çÃùÄñ³ª at Lake Tahoe campus with Lake Tahoe in the background

March 16-20, 2026

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (southern Nevada spring break)

  • This bootcamp is taking place during the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), College of Southern Nevada, and Nevada State University spring break.
  • Transportation to and from the UNLV campus is NOT provided. If you do not have a parking pass, one will be provided.
  • No housing is included in this program.
  • Meals during the duration of the bootcamp will be provided.

More details about the program will be shared upon acceptance.

Questions

Reach out at any time! Email nvinbre@unr.edu or call (775) 784-4359.

Presenters

Nevada INBRE Data Science Core

  • Juli Petereit, Ph.D., director, Nevada Bioinformatics Center, 91·çÃùÄñ³ª
  • Cassandra Hui, Ph.D., scientist, Nevada Bioinformatics Center, 91·çÃùÄñ³ª

Department of Nutrition

  • Steven Frese, Ph.D., assistant professor, 91·çÃùÄñ³ª
  • Matt Bolino, Ph.D. graduate student, 91·çÃùÄñ³ª

Acknowledgement

This bootcamp is made possible by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440) from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation (2203236).