Training In Stem cell Science for Undergraduate Excellence (TISSUE)
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20297
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$2,809,600
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Training In Stem cell Science for Undergraduate Excellence (TISSUE)
Public Abstract:
The UC Merced COMPASS Program for Training in Stem Cell Science for Undergraduate Excellence (TISSUE) is a two-year program designed to prepare undergraduate students for careers in stem cell biology and tissue engineering. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Engineering at UC Merced to provide comprehensive training for students majoring in Molecular Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. The program integrates academic coursework with hands-on research and professional development. Students complete core courses in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Tissue Engineering with a laboratory component, along with an elective aligned with their interests and career goals. In addition, each student completes a capstone mini-thesis based on original research conducted under faculty mentorship. A key component of the program is experiential learning. Students participate in faculty-guided research projects and complete an external industry internship to gain real-world experience in biotechnology or related fields. They also receive one-on-one mentoring, engage in patient-centered activities to better understand the impact of stem cell therapies, and contribute to community outreach efforts that promote science education and awareness. The program provides specialized technical training in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture, characterization, and differentiation techniques through the UC Merced CIRM Shared Resource Laboratory. These experiences equip students with practical skills that are highly relevant to both academic research and industry settings. To support professional growth, students attend monthly COMPASS cohort meetings and workshops focused on research communication, ethics, and career readiness. These sessions help students develop the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to both scientific and general audiences, while also building skills in resume and cover letter writing and interview preparation. Over a five-year period, the TISSUE program will train four cohorts of five students each, for a total of 20 trainees. By combining rigorous academic training, hands-on research, and professional development, the program aims to cultivate a next-generation workforce the program aims to cultivate a next-generation workforce equipped to drive innovation in regenerative medicine and accelerate the development of therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The COMPASS Training Program provides significant benefits to the state of California across economic, workforce, and societal domains. Its primary goal is to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by preparing skilled, job-ready graduates for high-demand careers in biotechnology and healthcare industries. By equipping students with practical, hands-on training in stem cell science and tissue engineering, the program helps address critical workforce needs in one of California’s fastest-growing sectors. Advances in stem cell science have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and enable curative therapies rather than symptom management. By training the next generation of researchers, the program contributes to innovation in regenerative medicine and gene therapy, with applications for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries. These advances have the potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare costs. The program also enhances undergraduate education by integrating hands-on technical training with traditional coursework, ensuring students graduate with both strong foundational knowledge and practical skills. It expands access to research and career pathways for students in California’s Central Valley, including those with limited prior exposure to biomedical research, by providing paid research experiences, mentorship, and professional development. Through these combined efforts, the COMPASS program helps strengthen California’s biomedical workforce, supports innovation, and contributes to the development of future therapies that benefit patients and the broader healthcare system.