Building the Regenerative Medicine Workforce through Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SCILL)
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20264
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$5,857,000
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Building the Regenerative Medicine Workforce through Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SCILL)
Public Abstract:
The San José State University Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SCILL) is a consortium of scientists, faculty, and administrative leaders from Bay Area institutions who have made a commitment to training students for careers in stem cell biology. Our proposal, titled "Building the Regenerative Medicine Workforce through Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SCILL)" will enable training programs that provide relevant coursework, instill key competencies, and support paid, hands-on internships to produce technically skilled individuals who can deliver on CIRM’s mission. Our proposal outlines our plans for a Dual Path program, building on our long-standing Bridges program, and adding a COMPASS program for undergraduate students.
SCILL has successfully run a Bridges training program for master's level students since 2009. We have trained over 160 students who are contributing to the biotechnology industry (~57%), pursuing doctoral training (~15%), and working in academic labs (~20%). Students engage in rigorous coursework as well as patient interaction activities and develop community outreach activities to share their knowledge with their communities. Each SCILL Bridges trainee will complete 12 months of full-time hands-on research at an internship host site, including Stanford University, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Francisco, Amgen Inc, NeuCyte, ExirBio, SRI International, and Neurona Therapeutics. More than 50 stem cell researchers are committed to mentoring SCILL students. On the successful completion of the curriculum and internship, students are awarded a master’s degree in Stem Cell Biology.
Our new COMPASS program will provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain access to high-impact research experiences. Students will join a research lab at San José State University (SJSU) and perform research during the academic year. Students will attend workshops and collaborate with Bridges students to engage in patient interaction and community outreach activities. During the summer, students will complete a 3-month, full-time paid internship at SJSU or one of our host sites. Students will complete a thesis project, including a written draft manuscript and oral presentation, during their final semester of undergraduate studies.
Through funds requested in this grant, we will produce outstanding scientists who will accelerate stem cell therapies in the state of California. Innovative recruitment and retention strategies will identify untapped talent in undergraduate and master’s level students. Strategic mentoring practices will support students to prepare for opportunities in regenerative medicine and facilitate efficient transition of trainees to careers in the life sciences. Our graduates broaden the participation and perspectives of Californians in the regenerative medicine workforce through producing well-trained, adaptable, and committed professionals for the regenerative medicine workforce.
SCILL has successfully run a Bridges training program for master's level students since 2009. We have trained over 160 students who are contributing to the biotechnology industry (~57%), pursuing doctoral training (~15%), and working in academic labs (~20%). Students engage in rigorous coursework as well as patient interaction activities and develop community outreach activities to share their knowledge with their communities. Each SCILL Bridges trainee will complete 12 months of full-time hands-on research at an internship host site, including Stanford University, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Francisco, Amgen Inc, NeuCyte, ExirBio, SRI International, and Neurona Therapeutics. More than 50 stem cell researchers are committed to mentoring SCILL students. On the successful completion of the curriculum and internship, students are awarded a master’s degree in Stem Cell Biology.
Our new COMPASS program will provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain access to high-impact research experiences. Students will join a research lab at San José State University (SJSU) and perform research during the academic year. Students will attend workshops and collaborate with Bridges students to engage in patient interaction and community outreach activities. During the summer, students will complete a 3-month, full-time paid internship at SJSU or one of our host sites. Students will complete a thesis project, including a written draft manuscript and oral presentation, during their final semester of undergraduate studies.
Through funds requested in this grant, we will produce outstanding scientists who will accelerate stem cell therapies in the state of California. Innovative recruitment and retention strategies will identify untapped talent in undergraduate and master’s level students. Strategic mentoring practices will support students to prepare for opportunities in regenerative medicine and facilitate efficient transition of trainees to careers in the life sciences. Our graduates broaden the participation and perspectives of Californians in the regenerative medicine workforce through producing well-trained, adaptable, and committed professionals for the regenerative medicine workforce.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The state of California is in urgent need of therapies for a variety of diseases that are rooted in stem cell dysfunction, or may be addressed through stem-cell-based cures. The process of translating basic research innovations into useful, proven patient therapies is complex and requires professionals at various levels. In creating the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the voters in California ascended to a leadership position in developing stem cells for therapeutic applications. Through CIRM funding, the Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning Program at San José State University (SCILL) continues to generate well-rounded professionals who accelerate the development of stem cell therapies. We train California State University students who will provide the engine supporting California’s stem cell research and industry. We partner with premier institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area to train San Jose State University SCILL interns at one of the research university partners (Stanford University, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz) and at one of the corporate partners (Amgen, ExirBio, NeuCyte, Neurona Therapeutics, and SRI International). We train our students to understand and communicate with their neighbors and classmates about critical issues in stem cell biology through targeted community outreach. Further, the SCILL Program will provide undergraduate and graduate students of California from diverse backgrounds with a high level of support as they complete degree requirements in science and explore career opportunities in this expanding California industry.