The Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR) program at California State University Fullerton (CSUF) has provided academic and practical training in stem cell research to 118 undergraduate students since its inception in 2010. Approximately 40% of these 110 interns were first-generation, and 50% were Pell Grant recipients. These students have completed full-time internships with one of 64 internship mentors at six institutions. Over 40% of these interns have published one or more peer-reviewed articles with their mentor, which is an amazing accomplishment for CSUF undergraduates. The internship mentors considered 75% of the interns to either “meet” or be “above expectations” when compared to first-year Ph.D. students at their institutions. More than 55 interns continued as full-time employees in their internship lab after graduating from CSUF. CSUF BSCR alumni work in academia or biotech as researchers (50%), medical field (25%), in graduate school (15%), or in other post-graduate degrees (10%).
Regenerative medicine approaches used by our internship mentors hold the promise to ameliorate or cure many ailments. The selected CSUF BSCR undergraduate students have enjoyed amazing opportunities to learn about various projects, engage in full-time research and master techniques that are not available to any other CSUF biology and biochemistry majors. Most of these students did not know much about stem cells a few years earlier and may not have considered research as a career path. These new research contributors will continue to inform their families and communities about science and promote scientific research.
The initial Bridges grant facilitated the development of advanced-level stem cell and biotechnology research courses, which also benefit other CSUF students. For the undergraduates selected into the program (BSCR interns), the BSCR curriculum trains them for future research careers in the booming field of regenerative medicine. The CSUF BSCR training program requires successful completion of five courses prior to starting their internship: Essential Techniques in Cell Biology lab (B329), Stem Cell Biology lecture (B427), Techniques in Stem Cell Biology lab (B429), a course in regulatory affairs (B425 or BTEC 120), BSCR Professional Seminar (B480C; research proposal and presentation preparation), and independent research courses (B499L). The continued support has allowed for further training through five workshops focused on Research and Stem Cell Ethics, Leadership in Research Projects, Soft Skills, Time Management, and Data Science. The interns also learn about patients’ experiences through online discussions, curating a virtual library of patient experiences (finding videos, blogs, etc.), and writing self-reflections. Depending on the internship year, the interns have made general presentations at the local schools, CSUF events, or through social media.
The CSUF BSCR program faculty guided interns with the selection of their own internship mentors. This is an intimidating process for undergraduates, and the BSCR program facilitates progress in identifying their internship mentors through several mini-assignments with formative feedback. After the initial introduction by the program, all the communications with the internship lab are conducted by the intern. The CSUF BSCR faculty meet with the interns (as a group and individually) to provide guidance on how to approach the next steps of communication. The interns must prepare a thorough 10-page research proposal based on information they collect from their internship mentors and a literature review prior to starting their internship. Through these processes (i.e., courses, workshops, project discussions, guidance, and counseling as needed), the program can transform undergraduates who may not know much about stem cell research into successful, well-rounded, communicative interns.
Reporting Period:
Year 2
The Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR) program at California State University Fullerton (CSUF) has provided academic and practical training in stem cell research to 127 undergraduate students since its inception in 2010. Approximately 40% of these interns were first-generation, and 50% were Pell Grant recipients. For the 2024 internship year, the program facilitated placement of the eight BSCR interns for their full-time internships with four new internship mentors at three new institutions. This increased the number of internship mentors to 68 and sites to seven academic institution and two biotech’ companies. The internship mentors considered 75% of the 127 interns to either “meet” or be “above expectations” when compared to first-year Ph.D. students at their institutions. More than 55 interns continued as full-time employees in their internship lab after graduating from CSUF. The combination of their internship year and their subsequent hiring as a research scientists in the internship lab have allowed thirty-nine (39) of the 127 CIRM-funded BSCR to publish 106 peer-reviewed research articles with their internship mentors.
The BSCR program guides the selected undergraduates to be well-rounded researchers that can operate like first-year Ph.D. students. The BSCR accomplishes these goals through a seven-month long, highly structured training program. The key components include (a) extensive wet lab experiences in over ten techniques routinely used in stem cell research, (b) meticulous analysis of classic stem cell literature, (c) thorough evaluation of articles related to the internship project, (d) preparation of a feasible internship proposal, and (e) discussions about soft skills needed to be successful in a team of expert scientists.
Based on our alumni tracking for the first 13 cohorts (2010-2023), approximately 23% of the alumni joined a medical (M.D. or D. O.) programs, 18% joined a Ph.D. program, about 25% were in the biotech industry, approximately 20% were research scientists in an academic lab, and some of the remaining students were pursuing career in healthcare-related fields that may involve stem cell biology in the near future (e.g., regulatory affairs, audiology, pharmacy). The career paths that the CSUF interns have selected speak to the fact that more than 85% of the BSCR alumni could have continued in stem cell research-related workforce.
Regenerative medicine approaches used by our internship mentors hold the promise to ameliorate or cure many ailments. Most CSUF biology students do not know much about stem cells. The CSUF undergraduate students selected into the BSCR have enjoyed amazing opportunities to engage in full-time stem cell research, master techniques that are not accessible for other CSUF students, and learn about prospects of various regenerative medicine projects and approaches. Most of these students had not considered research as a career path when they joined CSUF. These new research contributors will continue to inform their families and communities about regenerative medicine and promote scientific research.
Reporting Period:
Year 3
The Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR) program at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) has provided rigorous academic and hands-on training in stem cell research to 135 undergraduate students since 2010. Approximately 40% of these interns were first-generation college students, and 50% were Pell Grant recipients, reflecting the program’s strong commitment to expanding access to research opportunities for students from California’s diverse population.
Over the past 15 years, the BSCR program has placed 135 interns in 70 different laboratories across seven academic institutions and two biotechnology companies. For the 2025 internship year alone, the program successfully placed eight BSCR interns into full-time internships with four prior and four new internship mentors at three new institutions. Program outcomes have demonstrated strong success in workforce preparation and research productivity. Internship mentors reported that 75% of the 135 interns either “met” or were “above expectations” compared with first-year Ph.D. students at their institutions. More than 55 interns continued as full-time employees in their internship laboratories after graduating from CSUF. In total, 57 interns (42%) were hired as research associates in their internship labs, either immediately after the internship or upon completing their remaining coursework.
The long-term impact of these internships and the subsequent full-time employment of the interns as research scientists in the same laboratories includes the publication of 135 peer-reviewed research articles by 52 of the 135 CIRM-funded BSCR interns. This represents 37% of all interns publishing with their mentors and highlights the program’s sustained contribution to trainee career development and research productivity.
The BSCR program prepares selected undergraduates to pursue their internships with relentless focus through a highly structured, seven-month training program that builds both technical and professional skills. Key components include extensive hands-on experience and theoretical aspects for more than ten techniques routinely used in stem cell research, which many BSCR interns utilize during their internships. Students also conduct careful analyses of classic stem cell literature and thoroughly evaluate scientific articles related to their internship projects to strengthen their scientific foundation and critical thinking skills. Each trainee develops a feasible internship proposal based on their planned research project. The program also includes regular discussions focused on the soft skills needed to succeed in teams of expert scientists, including communication, collaboration, time management, leadership, professionalism, and scientific responsibility. Together, these experiences ensure that BSCR trainees begin their internships prepared to contribute meaningfully from the start.
Alumni tracking from the first 14 BSCR cohorts (2010–2024) demonstrates the program’s strong contribution to the stem cell research workforce. Approximately 17% of alumni entered medical programs (M.D. or D.O.), 14% pursued Ph.D. programs, 25% joined the biotechnology industry, and 20% became research scientists in academic laboratories. Many of the remaining alumni (24%) pursued healthcare-related careers that may involve stem cell biology in the near future, including regulatory affairs, audiology, and pharmacy. These career outcomes indicate that more than 75% of BSCR alumni have continued into fields connected to stem cell research, highlighting the program’s sustained impact on developing California’s regenerative medicine workforce.
Regenerative medicine approaches used by BSCR internship mentors hold the potential to prevent, treat, or cure many diseases. Many of the internship mentors are world-renowned scientists and are funded by CIRM. In contrast, most CSUF biology students enter the university with limited knowledge of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Through the BSCR program, selected undergraduates gain unique opportunities to participate in full-time stem cell research, master advanced techniques not otherwise accessible to most CSUF students, and develop a deeper understanding of regenerative medicine. Many of these students had not considered research as a career option when they first joined CSUF. Thus, the BSCR program prepares new contributors to the stem cell research workforce while also developing trainees into informed ambassadors of science who share knowledge of regenerative medicine with their families and communities and promote broader engagement in scientific research.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy: A Talent Development Program for Training Diverse Undergraduates for Careers in Regenerative Medicine
Public Abstract:
Designed specifically for a highly diverse student population, this Bridges program focuses on selecting students who are genuinely interested in advancing 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, innovative community outreach programs, and personalized patient engagement activities. At least ten biology or biochemistry majors will be selected as scholars annually, for up to 50. Additional funded positions may be available from our partner biotechnology companies.
The program has been configured with inclusive practices that lower the barriers to participation: there is no minimum GPA or previous research experience required. There is also an increased emphasis on the applicants’ desire to help advance biomedical innovation leading to therapy. 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 a seven-month training on the home campus, followed by a 12-month internship in a stem cell research lab at one of four internship host institutions. Based on our previous success, two biotechnology companies have indicated an interest in sponsoring an intern, which would allow the program to train additional students. All coursework can be applied toward the B.S. in biological science or a minor in cell and molecular biology and thus is fully integrated into B.S. degree programs.
The preparatory training on the home campus will consist of 1) five biology courses to strengthen the fundamentals scholars will need for their research internships, 2) an advanced cell culture techniques course taught at the internship site, 3) a hands-on research project in a faculty lab to impart basic knowledge of research lab operations, 4) a proseminar to prepare scholars for internships, 5) patient engagement activities, 6) five workshops to broaden their horizons and soft skills, and 7) community outreach and education activities.
The scholars will then engage in a full-time, year-long research internship, carrying out a project focused on development of stem cell-based therapies at a partnering internship host institution, under the direction of a research mentor. All four internship host institutions have been awarded CIRM grants. Through the internships, scholars will gain additional project-specific technical skills as well as the conceptual underpinnings necessary to solve problems in a particular stem cell research area.
The overarching goal will be to fulfill all of CIRM’s objectives for Bridges 3.0. In the process the program will create a cadre of diverse, highly capable interns who have the knowledge, proficiency, and desire to contribute to the development of stem cell-based therapies and go on to advanced degrees and careers in related fields.
Statement of Benefit to California:
CIRM’s role in advancing stem cell biology has generated scores of opportunities for biotech innovation and medical revolution 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.
Traditional biology curriculum does not provide the broad perspectives or sufficient hands-on experiences to prepare an undergraduate for an entry-level position in a biotech company run by experienced researchers with PhDs. Bridges programs like ours will help address the gap between what an undergraduate student knows and what the biotech companies seek in their new hires. Recognition of our past Bridges interns has prompted company executives to create a path for our interns to join their organizations.
Over the next five years, our Bridges program will train 50 or more undergraduate biology and biochemistry majors as scholars and researchers with hands-on training in cell, molecular, and stem cell biology techniques. We will seek undergraduates from our diverse student population who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and/or are the first in their family to attend college, and then train them to be exceptional interns in the labs of world leaders at our partnering institutions. Many of our Bridges alumni are pursuing advanced degrees, and some have already completed doctoral and professional degrees. This, in turn, is likely to increase the number of stem cell investigators and support staff in the future workforce, and having qualified employees will increase innovation and productivity in California’s stem cell-based companies. Historically, over 70% of students from this campus remain in California, which means much of the workforce talent will be retained locally. 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, opinions, beliefs, perspectives, and problem-solving skills to the rapidly growing stem cell research enterprise.
Our community outreach approaches will also engage large numbers of students and members of the community to learn about advances in stem cell biology, which will help develop an informed citizenry within California.
