2026 ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators

The Characterizing Our DNA Exceptions (CODE) program is a network of postsecondary educators and science researchers who integrate authentic bioinformatics research into undergraduate classrooms. The program’s primary goal is to increase genomic literacy and access to research-based learning experiences, particularly for smaller and under-resourced institutions. This study aims to understand how participation in a CODE project affects a student's awareness, interest, and knowledge of bioinformatics, as well as science self-efficacy and scientific identity. These factors are crucial in determining a student's willingness to remain in a STEM major and seek a career in a STEM field. Faculty are trained in a 2-day workshop on using computational modeling and database analysis to characterize DNA variants identified through clinical studies. Having students work on characterizing challenging clinical variants, known as Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS), introduces them to novel research projects while addressing the growing need for clinical variant characterization. The students present their work at the CODE Annual Student Symposium. Now in its eighth year, the program has over 1,200 faculty and students exploring the field of bioinformatics through a CODE project. Mentors and students completed pre- and post-surveys and participated in focus interviews. Although students did not show a significant increase in interest in bioinformatics, they demonstrated significant increases in bioinformatics awareness, comfort, and knowledge (p < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in research experience, science self-efficacy, and identity as a scientist. These results provide evidence that the CODE model effectively broadens access to authentic, data‑driven research experiences while producing measurable gains in student learning and persistence.