PIGE T32
PIGE: The Program Integrating Genomics and Exposures
Training the Next Generation of Scientists at the Gene–Environment Interface: Bridging genomics, exposure science, and public health to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.
Overview
The PIGE Training Program, funded by the NIH/NIEHS, is jointly offered by Wayne State University (WSU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). PIGE is designed to train the next generation of scientists at the intersection of genomics and environmental exposure science. This innovative program bridges two historically separate disciplines—genomics and exposure science—to prepare students to tackle complex public health challenges.
Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and cross-institutional collaboration, trainees will develop the skills needed to study how intrinsic factors (genetics) and extrinsic factors (environmental exposures) interact to influence disease risk. Students will gain expertise in genomics, exposure assessment, Big Data analytics, and novel statistical modeling to understand the gene-environment interface.
Participants will enroll in courses at both WSU and CWRU, receive dual mentorship from experts across disciplines, and engage in research experiences that culminate in dissertation projects and pre-doctoral grant submissions. By equipping students with transdisciplinary training and cutting-edge analytical tools, PIGE aims to prepare researchers who can move beyond the “nature versus nurture” debate to fully explore the integrated impact of genes and environment on human health.
Committee Members
WSU
Dr. Douglas Ruden: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (IEHS); C.S. Mott Center for Human Health and Development.
Dr. Wanqing Liu: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EACPHS; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine.
CWRU
Dr. Fredrick Schumacher: Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine.
Dr. Scott Williams: Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology.
Image of 2025 Wayne State PIGE Fellows with PIs
In the back row from left to right: Dr. Douglas Ruden and Dr. Wanqing Liu; in the front row from left to right: Nivisa Vakeesan and Sydney Scofield.
Eligibility
- Formally registered WSU or CWRU PhD students
- Candidate must be U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Candidate must be the 2nd or 3rd year student in their PhD program
- Thesis research is focused on the impact of environmental stressors or exposures on health and disease, with motivation to integrate approaches in genetics, genomics or multiple omics.
- Selected candidates will receive one-year support for their stipends and tuition, with an option for a second-year support.
Application process
Candidate should submit the following materials to James Jackson, M.F.A., M.A., Academic Services Officer III for the Department of Pharmacology, jackson.james@wayne.edu:
- Personal statement (limited to 500 words)
- A letter of nomination
- One additional letter of recommendation
- Student’s CV
- Aims of the student’s research
- Formal transcripts
Required Training
- Mentees must agree to take the following courses*:
| Courses | Credit | Coordinator | Semester | Time |
| CWRU courses | ||||
| PQHS 451 A Data-Driven Introduction to Genomics and Human Health | 3 | |||
| PQHS 452 Statistical Methods for Genetic Epidemiology | 3 | |||
| PQHS 457 Current Issues in Genetic Epidemiology: Design and Analysis of Sequencing Studies | 3 | |||
| WSU courses | ||||
| FHP 7420 Principles of Environmental Health (3hr lectures on exposures) | 3 | Dr. Youcheng Liu | Fall | Tu (2:30pm-5:00pm), Th (5:30pm-8:00pm), W (5:30pm-8:00pm) |
| BIO 6420 Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment (3hr lectures on exposures) | 3 | Dr. Donna Kashian | Every Other Winter | 12:30-1:20 Tue/Thur; 1:20-2:10 Tue |
| CE 7995 Environmental Pollution (3hr lectures on exposures) | 1 | |||
| PHC 7410 Introduction to Toxicology (3hr lectures on exposures) | 2 | Dr. Gan Wang | Fall | MWF 10:30-11:20am |
*If the mentee has taken a similar course in their program, they may consider petitioning to waive the course.
- Mentees must present their research progress annually.
- Mentees should report their publications, presentations, awards, etc. under this fellowship support to the committee.
- This fellowship program should be acknowledged in formal publications, presentations, posters etc. where the mentee is co-authored.
Awardees
2025-26
WSU:
Nivisa Vakeesan. Research aim: Gene X heavy metal interaction in chronic liver disease
Sydney Scofield. Research aim: Impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-ubiquitous pollutants and aging.
CWRU:
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Resources and forms
Wayne State University Graduate Guest Application