Stem Cell Dual Path Training Program
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20287
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$6,490,600
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Stem Cell Dual Path Training Program
Public Abstract:
This application aims to develop a new comprehensive dual path stem cell training program at a large comprehensive urban public state university that is in a region known internationally as a center of bio-innovation. The program prepares undergraduate through master’s level students for the emerging regenerative medicine and biomedical technology workforce. Over the five-year period, the program will support 20 COMPASS trainees and 50 Bridges master’s trainees providing two years of COMPASS funding (during their junior and senior years) and one year of Bridges science master’s funding. The program leverages the robust student training experiences and practices already institutionalized at our university and the strong and productive collaborations with academic and industry partners to prepare highly diverse and motivated undergraduate -master’s students for success in careers in stem cell science and regenerative medicine.
The training will feature inclusive mentorships, strong academic instruction in cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell science, biotechnology, data science, and hand-on research training in biomedical, stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine. The program will identify high-impact practices best suited for the CIRM trainees as an ongoing practice, as well as to set and monitor equity-minded program goals in student recruitment, outreach, training, and professional development. The program will augment current training success at our campus to prepare forward thinking, compassionate and competent undergraduate-master’s students for entrance into the stem cell, gene editing, cell therapy and regenerative medicine fields.
The training will feature inclusive mentorships, strong academic instruction in cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell science, biotechnology, data science, and hand-on research training in biomedical, stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine. The program will identify high-impact practices best suited for the CIRM trainees as an ongoing practice, as well as to set and monitor equity-minded program goals in student recruitment, outreach, training, and professional development. The program will augment current training success at our campus to prepare forward thinking, compassionate and competent undergraduate-master’s students for entrance into the stem cell, gene editing, cell therapy and regenerative medicine fields.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The program will benefit the State of California by developing a comprehensive dual path training program focused on stem cell and regenerative medicine training to prepare a broadly inclusive, well-trained STEM workforce. The program will contribute to the further diversification of the research and scientific workforce, as it supports underrepresented and disadvantaged California students providing them a solid science foundation to launch their careers, and to nurture the development of support networks crucial for academic success and career advancement.
Trainees will emerge from this program with highly competitive portfolios and the connections to personal and professional networks that will promote their professional careers. The program further engages with patient advocacy groups, local and CSU programs and community initiatives that promote respect, inclusiveness, fairness and equal opportunity. This program will augment partnerships between our university and other academic institutions and the private biotech sector to increase biomedical workforce talents and infuse California economy. The program will contribute to CIRM’s collective efforts in promoting awareness of how genetic, environmental, and societal factors can impact scientific outcomes and access of different California populations to scientific advances. The outcome and impact of the program will be substantial, transformative and long-lasting.