We designed our CIRM COMPASS program to train a diverse group of next generation scientists and to build a workforce for stem cell and regenerative medical research. In the past year, we have recruited a cohort of nine student interns who are enrolled in biology or biotechnology at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). An important component of our program is the placement of interns in laboratories on campus at CSUSM or at our partnering institutions where they can engage in hands-on research. We have identified five host laboratories in Department of Biological Sciences at CSUSM, two host labs at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and one host lab at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla, CA that provide a well-nurturing and focused environment for our trainees to develop skills crucial for cutting-edge research in the life sciences.
Of the nine students accepted for the internship, three represent more than one ethnicity, one each represents African-American, Asian-Filipino and Hispanic ethnicities and three identified as white. Additionally, 4 out of 9 interns are first generation college students and more than 50% are either women or have non-traditional gender identity. All interns are currently perfomingin-person lab research activities at their host laboratory and are making meaningful contributions to projects focused on cancer detection, immunological and neurological disorders, lung development, and SARS-COV-2 and other viral infections of the respiratory system.
Our internship program focuses on the overall development of trainees as stewards of STEM education. Therefore, we provide several opportunities for the trainees to engage in K-12 outreach, patient engagement and advocacy, professional development and diversity, equity and inclusion trainings and discussions. We continue to work closely with the patients and families associated with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to enhance patient advocacy. Also, the interns work with experts at the Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education to administer lesson plans focused on stem cell biology to middle school students. At the beginning of each year, we provide an in-depth, two-day workshop to the trainees and their host labs on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM fields and continue discussions on importance of DEI throughout the year during an internship-focused seminar course. Lastly, the seminar course also focuses on helping the interns in generating individual development plans (IDP) and provides guidance to stay on track with their academic and career goals outlined in their IDP.
Overall, our program is designed to deliver a workforce necessary to meet California’s commitment to advancing stem cell research, treatments, and therapies. Specifically, our trainees will serve as a pool of well-prepared scientists from diverse backgrounds that bring in expertise and advocacy in stem cell research and accelerate California’s contributions to novel therapies in regenerative medicine.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
COMPASS Program for Southern California Hispanic Serving Institution
Statement of Benefit to California:
California is a leader in advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine and the field is progressing rapidly towards viable therapies and cures for human disease. In order to continue to accelerate this progress and drive future innovation, we must provide a pipeline for the training and development of a diverse pool of stem cell scientists. Our program is designed to meet this need by providing an op diverse college students to receive comprehensive training and education allowing them to enter this field more quickly than traditional pathways. Additionally, we develop well rounded stem cell researchers who understand the full “bench to bedside” process of bringing treatments to the clinic. Simultaneously, they learn the need for public communication and outreach so that the regional community understands the benefits from their research.
Our institution has partnered with three local high schools. We deliver a robust and comprehensive internship program for undergraduates in an intensive two-year long research experience on our campus in the areas of stem cells, bioengineering, immunology and virology. Our student trainees receive college credit and will be supported by educational enhancement and patient advocacy activities through community organizations. At the end of their internship year, our trainees will be prepared to contribute to California’s workforce pipeline and/or continue their academic journeys.
Our program impact is significant. We will train 10 trainees each year, who are representative of our diverse region and often remain in the area to join the scientific workforce. Therefore, California will benefit from this additional pool of well-prepared stem cell/life scientists from diverse backgrounds that have a broad understanding of the benefits of stem cell research and life science application who can continue to advocate and accelerate California’s commitment to advancing stem cell research, treatments and therapies for human diseases.
