USC COMPASS: Preparing Undergraduates for Careers in California’s Regenerative Medicine Workforce
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20332
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$3,237,000
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
USC COMPASS: Preparing Undergraduates for Careers in California’s Regenerative Medicine Workforce
Public Abstract:
This COMPASS program is a two-year undergraduate training program designed to prepare students for careers in regenerative medicine, one of the fastest-growing areas of biomedical science. Regenerative medicine focuses on developing therapies that repair, replace, or restore damaged tissues and organs, including cell and gene therapies that are transforming the treatment of serious diseases.
The program combines hands-on laboratory research with coursework, professional development, and exposure to clinical and industry environments. Students begin with an intensive summer training experience to build foundational laboratory skills and understanding of how new therapies are developed. Over the next two years, they conduct mentored research while also participating in workshops focused on biotechnology, clinical trials, manufacturing standards, data analysis, science communication, and career preparation.
In their second year, students may choose specialized tracks that expose them to areas such as biomanufacturing, clinical research, commercialization, or science communication. This flexible structure allows trainees to gain both scientific expertise and practical skills needed for today’s regenerative medicine workforce.
The program also includes structured mentoring, professional and leadership coaching, and training on how genetic, environmental, and social factors influence access to new therapies. By integrating technical training with real-world perspectives, this COMPASS program helps students understand not only how therapies are developed, but how they are delivered to patients.
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue advanced degrees, clinical research positions, biotechnology careers, and other roles that support the development and implementation of regenerative medicine therapies. Through this training model, this COMPASS program contributes to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce capable of meeting California’s evolving needs in regenerative medicine.
The program combines hands-on laboratory research with coursework, professional development, and exposure to clinical and industry environments. Students begin with an intensive summer training experience to build foundational laboratory skills and understanding of how new therapies are developed. Over the next two years, they conduct mentored research while also participating in workshops focused on biotechnology, clinical trials, manufacturing standards, data analysis, science communication, and career preparation.
In their second year, students may choose specialized tracks that expose them to areas such as biomanufacturing, clinical research, commercialization, or science communication. This flexible structure allows trainees to gain both scientific expertise and practical skills needed for today’s regenerative medicine workforce.
The program also includes structured mentoring, professional and leadership coaching, and training on how genetic, environmental, and social factors influence access to new therapies. By integrating technical training with real-world perspectives, this COMPASS program helps students understand not only how therapies are developed, but how they are delivered to patients.
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue advanced degrees, clinical research positions, biotechnology careers, and other roles that support the development and implementation of regenerative medicine therapies. Through this training model, this COMPASS program contributes to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce capable of meeting California’s evolving needs in regenerative medicine.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The proposed training program will directly benefit the State of California by preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce to support the rapidly expanding field of regenerative medicine. California is a global leader in cell and gene therapy development, biomanufacturing, and clinical innovation. Sustaining this leadership requires a pipeline of professionals who are trained not only in scientific discovery, but also in clinical translation, regulatory processes, manufacturing standards, data science, and patient-centered implementation.
This program provides undergraduates with early, structured exposure to the full therapeutic development pathway—from laboratory research to clinical application and industry translation. By combining hands-on scientific training with professional skill development and mentorship, the program equips trainees to pursue careers in biotechnology, clinical research, biomanufacturing, regulatory science, and related life science sectors that are central to California’s innovation economy.
The program also prepares trainees to understand how genetic diversity, environmental factors, and social determinants influence therapeutic access and outcomes. This perspective strengthens the capacity of the future workforce to develop therapies that are scientifically rigorous and responsive to the needs of California’s diverse communities.
By supporting the progression of trainees into graduate education, healthcare research, and biotechnology careers, the program contributes to workforce stability, economic growth, and continued advancement of regenerative medicine therapies that improve patient care across the state. In doing so, it advances California’s leadership in biomedical innovation while expanding opportunities for students to participate in and contribute to this high-impact sector.