Training in Genomics Research program

• Training Stipend of approximately $30,240 distributed over 5 semesters
• Tuition award equal to 100% of resident tuition*
• ASU health insurance during enrollment in the MS Biological Data Science program
• Support for research related conference travel expenses
• Support for lab material and supply costs **

* non-Arizona residents will be responsible for additional tuition expenses 
** does not cover mandatory university fees or program tuition

• The TiGeR program is focused on training students underrepresented in the scientific workforce with an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or similar fields with limited or no previous experience working with genomics datasets.
• Recipients must meet all eligibility criteria.
• All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• To earn your master’s degree under the TiGeR program's sponsorship, you need to complete 35 credit hours of core and required courses.
• Enrollment in a genomics laboratory is mandatory (a stipend will be paid for up to 20 hrs/ week of wet-lab training)
• Completing a paid three-credit hour summer internship program is required
• Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• The award is renewable for a maximum of two years
• If recipient defers their start in the Biological Data Science MS program they will need to reapply for TiGeR grant funding.
• Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment, take a leave of absence, or do not make adequate progress in the Biological Data Science MS program will not be eligible for funding.

• The TiGeR program will prepare its students for successful careers as computational experts in genomics research.
• The program will provide intensive in-person, hands-on exposure to genomics datasets and bioinformatics tool sets, as well as mentored research experiences.
• The TiGeR program will provide financial assistance to cover your tuition, educational research-related expenses, health insurance, travel expenses, conferences, and stipends.
• A master’s degree in biological data science with a focus in genomics/bioinformatics will enhance your earning power and marketability with employers and/or enhance your success if you choose to continue your studies in a Ph.D. program
• You will provide much-needed assistance to under-represented communities in the US.

• For questions about applying to the MS Biological Data Science Program, please email
  NC.GradStudies@asu.edu
• For questions about the TiGeR program, please email Professor Sree Kanthaswamy: Skanthas@asu.edu

Academic year 2025-2026: May 1, 2025

Note: Submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Arizona time (-7 UTC).

The applicant must:

1. Applicants shall be required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or related field with limited or no previous exposure to genomics datasets.
2. Applicants should identify with a community underrepresented in the scientific workforce {see NIH definition for underrepresented}
3. Applicant is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
4. Admitted to the Biological Data Science MS campus-immersion program.

Program participants will be selected based on review of all application materials. The applicant must:

1. Complete TiGeR Grant Application Form. 
2. Upload an official or unofficial transcript to TiGeR Grant Application Materials.
3. Solicit a letter of recommendation from a professor, faculty supervisor, instructor, or research mentor who is familiar with their academic work as it relates to the TiGeR program. Recommenders must upload their letter of recommendation directly to TiGeR Grant Application Materials. 

When uploading documents to the TiGeR Applicant Dropbox please label the file with “TiGeR Grant - Last Name - Document Type”.

Each fellow is personally responsible for individual taxes related to this award. Additional information regarding tax issues related to awards can be found on the tax considerations webpage. Specific questions should be directed to a tax advisor or contact the ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

An "overaward" is when a student's need-based awards exceed their financial need, or the total of the awards exceeds the cost of attendance. If a student has been over awarded, federal regulations require ASU to adjust their awards which may result in a reduction in awards or a bill. Need-based aid includes grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, and outside resources (i.e., faculty/staff tuition benefits, scholarships, stipends, etc.). Non-need-based aid includes unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, and Private Education Loans. Questions regarding overawards should be directed to the ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
Applicant is eligible to receive an ASU tuition award and stipend and will not receive any other ASU tuition benefit (i.e. Qualified Tuition Reduction).

Program-supported students may not concurrently hold another federally sponsored stipend or fellowship, other federal award that duplicates support, or supplemental salary support, e.g., from a mentor’s federal research grant. However, concurrent with support, students may make use of federal educational loan funds and assistance under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (G.I. Bill) or may receive funds from a Pell Grant, based on financial need. Such funds are not considered supplementation or compensation. Funding announcement for reference.
Programs are encouraged to build a diverse participant team with participants from diverse backgrounds. (NIH’s Interest in Diversity).