Student Resources
As students in the Human Genetics PhD Program, you have access to the combined resources of both Vanderbilt University (VU) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)—a unique advantage that supports every stage of your research and training. From high-performance computing and state-of-the-art core facilities to large-scale genomic datasets and integrated clinical data warehouses, our program bridges the basic and translational sciences. The tools and infrastructure outlined below are available to support your development as a geneticist working at the forefront of biomedical discovery.
VU
Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) The BRET Office supports biomedical PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through professional development, career resources, and educational events.
Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education (ACCRE) Vanderbilt’s high-performance computing environment for large-scale data analysis. Services include batch computing clusters, GPU resources, cloud storage, and REDCap integrations.
A comprehensive list of VU CORES can be found here.
VUMC
Vanderbilt Genetics Institute (VGI) VGI provides interdisciplinary leadership in genomics, data science, and precision medicine. Resources include access to BioVU, PrediXcan, population genetics tools, and training through affiliated faculty.
Office of Research VUMC supports translational and clinical research with extensive shared infrastructure and research support systems, including REDCap, IRB, iLab, and compliance offices.
VUMC CORES: VUMC’s shared resources support clinical, translational, and basic science research through centralized services. VUMC core services are accessed through the iLab system.
DATA RESOURCES
Research Derivative (RD)
The Research Derivative is a clinical data warehouse built from the VUMC electronic health record (EHR), containing identified or limited data sets. It includes longitudinal clinical information—labs, diagnoses, procedures, medications, and visit data—and is used for IRB-approved clinical and translational research. Access requires IRB approval and VUMC credentials.
Synthetic Derivative (SD)
The Synthetic Derivative is a fully de-identified version of the VUMC EHR designed for hypothesis generation and retrospective research. It is linked to BioVU and includes structured and unstructured data, such as clinical notes, allowing researchers to explore phenotypes across a large patient population without requiring IRB approval for initial access.
Analytical Genomic Dataset (AGD)
AGD is a curated genetic dataset developed by VUMC that links genomic data from BioVU participants to phenotypic information from the Synthetic Derivative. It includes quality-controlled, imputed genotype data from multiple arrays (including MEGA) and is structured for use in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS), and polygenic risk score analyses.
PrediXcan
PrediXcan is a gene-based association method that integrates genetic variation with gene expression prediction models to identify associations between genetically regulated gene expression and traits of interest. It enables transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) using reference panels from GTEx and other transcriptomic datasets.
MEGA (Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array)
MEGA is a high-density genotyping platform optimized for genome-wide association studies across diverse ancestries. It is used extensively in BioVU and eMERGE studies to ensure inclusive genomic coverage. MEGA data within VUMC has been imputed and quality-controlled for downstream analyses.
VANTAGE (Vanderbilt Technologies for Advanced Genomics Core)
VANTAGE provides advanced genomic services including next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell RNA-seq, targeted capture, and library preparation. The core also offers quality assessment, consulting, and full project support for genomic experiments. It is a key resource for researchers using whole genome, exome, or targeted sequencing.
VANGARD (Vanderbilt Technologies for Genomic Analysis and Research Design)
VANGARD is a consultative service that provides study design, statistical support, and analytic expertise for high-throughput genomic studies. It supports analysis of sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomic data and helps investigators plan projects from pilot design through full-scale analysis. VANGARD collaborates closely with VANTAGE and the Department of Biomedical Informatics.