California's Stem Cell Agency

The proposed CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Award will support and enhance further development of an existing stem cell biology training program that includes a wide range of internship opportunities, a rigorous curriculum, substantive auxiliary training opportunities, and stem cell techniques coursework at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. Based upon the applicant institution’s demographics (nearly 76% minorities, 45% low-income, and 47% first-generation) and their experience in biotechnology training, it is anticipated that CIRM Bridges interns recruited for the project will represent the diversity of California’s population. The grant project will build upon existing partnerships between the home institution and three outstanding host institutions that have collaborated on earlier projects to enhance stem cell research. Potential interns will be recruited through strong community outreach, including dissemination of General Education modules for stem cell education, inviting students from other colleges and universities to attend seminars and programs, advertising through campus and community media outlets, and support from established biotechnology research and training centers. The CIRM Bridges program will provide up to 30 internships over three years. Internships will last one year. Interns will be required to complete a Certificate of Achievement in Biological Technology (or equivalent) and a Stem Cell Culture Certificate (total of 59 units). The following courses will be added to the curriculum: 1) advanced stem cell techniques (collaboration with a host institution); 2) fluorescent microscopy; and 3) journal club. A stem cell unit will be added to RNA Interference and majors Cell and Molecular Biology courses. General Education stem cell modules will be produced at both the collegiate and secondary level. Interns will be eligible for coursework in stem cell biology at host institutions, including CIRM-funded courses. Auxiliary training will encompass seminars (on topics such as intellectual property, confidentiality and career opportunities), attendance at scientific meetings and symposiums, and research presentations. The training will prepare CIRM Bridges interns to work at various levels in stem cell research labs including laboratory assistant, lab manager, professional staff, and research associates, or to continue in postgraduate programs. The program will offer trainees research opportunities with 40 potential mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. By combining established programs and partnerships, rigorous curriculum, mentoring at both the home and host institutions, performance evaluations of trainees and program, and experienced leadership and research opportunities at partner institutions, the program will produce highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.