COMPASS: an inclusive Pipeline for Research and Other Stem cell-based Professions in Regenerative medicine (iPROSPR)
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
EDUC5-13647
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$2,760,385
Status:
Active
Progress Reports
Reporting Period:
Year 1
Reporting Period:
Year 2
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
COMPASS: an inclusive Pipeline for Research and Other Stem cell-based Professions in Regenerative medicine (iPROSPR)
Public Abstract:
Designed specifically for a highly diverse student population, this COMPASS program focuses on selecting students who show genuine interest in joining the field of regenerative medicine and providing them with high-impact practices such as hands-on research training, product-oriented coursework, one-on-one mentoring, soft skills development, personal and mental health support, community outreach programs that allow them to “pay it forward” to their own communities, and personalized patient engagement activities. The recruitment plan will reach a thousand or more underrepresented students in STEM in the local area, and the activities will provide exposure to biotechnology careers, lab skills, and academic advising to prepare interested students for COMPASS applications. The program has been configured with inclusive practices that lower the barriers to participation: there is no minimum GPA, and previous research experience is not required. Seven biology or biochemistry majors will be selected as scholars annually for four years to complete a two-year program, for a total of 28 scholars. Accepted students then benefit from the presence of multiple mentors in the training as well as at the internship sites.
The program will consist of two years of academic year coursework in stem cell biology, research methods, biomanufacturing, regulatory affairs and bioengineering. Trainees will complete two summer internships at one of eight partnering host institutions that include university and biotechnology sites. All coursework is fully integrated into the bachelor’s degree program.
In the two academic years, trainees will also receive training in research ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges, and best practices for data management and FAIR principles. They will develop a capstone project and explore careers in regenerative medicine through guided self-reflections, peer mentors, and field trips to universities and biotechnology companies. They will also receive professional development and scientific communication training, and participate in community outreach and patient engagement activities.
The two summer research internships will be full-time for 10 weeks, focused on translational stem cell research or gene therapy under the mentorship of one of over 40 leaders in the field. All internship host institutions have either been awarded CIRM grants or are established biotechnology companies. Through the internships, COMPASS scholars will gain additional project-specific technical skills that will provide foundations for their career path.
The program will consist of two years of academic year coursework in stem cell biology, research methods, biomanufacturing, regulatory affairs and bioengineering. Trainees will complete two summer internships at one of eight partnering host institutions that include university and biotechnology sites. All coursework is fully integrated into the bachelor’s degree program.
In the two academic years, trainees will also receive training in research ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges, and best practices for data management and FAIR principles. They will develop a capstone project and explore careers in regenerative medicine through guided self-reflections, peer mentors, and field trips to universities and biotechnology companies. They will also receive professional development and scientific communication training, and participate in community outreach and patient engagement activities.
The two summer research internships will be full-time for 10 weeks, focused on translational stem cell research or gene therapy under the mentorship of one of over 40 leaders in the field. All internship host institutions have either been awarded CIRM grants or are established biotechnology companies. Through the internships, COMPASS scholars will gain additional project-specific technical skills that will provide foundations for their career path.
Statement of Benefit to California:
CIRM’s role in advancing stem cell biology has generated scores of opportunities for biotech innovation in California. The state has become a world leader in regenerative medicine, spawning new companies and creating well-paid jobs that require highly qualified Californians to fill them.
The raditional biology curriculum does not provide the broad perspectives or sufficient hands-on experiences to prepare undergraduates for entry-level positions in biotech companies run by experienced researchers with Ph.Ds. This COMPASS program will fill the gaps between what an undergraduate student knows and what the biotech companies seek in their new hires.
Over the next five years, we will select 28 undergraduate students who are first in their families to go to college and/or Pell Grant-eligible for our COMPASS program (75% will be dual identity). Students will be trained in cell, molecular, and stem cell biology techniques in order to be exceptional interns in the labs of world leaders at our partnering host institutions. Students will also participate in patient engagement and community outreach activities to instill purposeful goals in their selection of career paths. The four program leadership team members will also guide students into thinking creatively about their career paths through mentoring and a customized capstone project. Beyond the 28 COMPASS scholars, we will reach thousands of underrepresented students through inspirational and educational recruitment events. Historically, over 70% of students from this campus remain in California, which means much of the workforce talent will be retained locally. Having qualified employees will increase innovation and productivity in California’s stem cell-based companies.
In time, this will likely lead to the translation of discoveries into new therapeutics and diagnostics, benefiting Californians as well as people around the world. Successful stem cell-based companies, staffed by highly qualified scientists and technicians, will also contribute significant tax revenue to the state and enrich California’s economy.
Moreover, selecting diverse students interested in regenerative medicine will allow underrepresented populations to find employment in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy. Their participation is one approach by which communities that have been excluded from high-tech jobs may engage in the future of medicine. This is of enormous benefit to our state because these researchers will be able to bring diverse thoughts, perspectives, and problem-solving skills to the rapidly growing stem cell research enterprise and share knowledge about regenerative medicine with their (sometimes wary) communities.
Our community outreach approaches will also engage elementary, middle, and high school students with college students and members of the community to learn about advances in stem cell biology, which will help develop an informed citizenry within California.
