CSUSM Collaborative Pipeline to Workforce Development Training Program
Grant Award Details
Grant Number:
EDUC8-20324
Investigator(s):
Name:
Institution:
Type:
PI
Award Value:
$5,928,000
Status:
Pre-Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
CSUSM Collaborative Pipeline to Workforce Development Training Program
Public Abstract:
Our program is a dual path program focused on both COMPASS and Bridges trainees. Our primary recruiting goals are to reach a wide pool of applicants reflective of the regional population, including students from groups underrepresented in STEM, identify trainees with strong potential and recruit and create clear, supportive pathways from community college through undergraduate and graduate education into regenerative medicine careers. These goals align with the targeted trainee paths spanning community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels, ensuring broad participation and workforce development.
For the COMPASS path, up to 10 trainees per year will be appointed for 12 months. COMPASS trainees will conduct research and experiential learning activities for two months over the summer. For the Bridges path, up to 10 trainees will be appointed for 12 months and will conduct research and experiential learning for that entire period. Our trainees will also participate in community engagement and patient advocacy which will contribute indirectly to workforce development.
The range and scope of internship opportunities available to trainees are designed to reflect the full spectrum of the regenerative medicine and biotechnology workforce across the California and specifically our region. Trainees will be introduced to stem cell research through our academic courses. Some of these courses will enroll other science students which will contribute indirectly to workforce development. Our trainees will be placed in leading research institutes such as those within the regional stem cell research community; biotechnology and life sciences companies, biomanufacturing environments and alpha clinic. These experiences will expose trainees to diverse aspects of the field, including basic and translational stem cell research, preclinical development, and industry-driven applications. In manufacturing-focused settings, trainees will gain exposure to the manufacturing environment, cell therapy production workflows, quality control, and regulatory processes essential for clinical translation. Across all placements, trainees will contribute to hands-on projects that include stem cell culture and differentiation, genome editing, molecular and cellular assays, bioinformatics and data analysis, and participation in interdisciplinary research teams. These experiences are further enriched through engagement in seminars, scientific conferences, and collaborative research presentations, ensuring trainees develop both technical expertise and professional competencies. Collectively, this range of opportunities prepares trainees for diverse career pathways in academia, industry, and biomanufacturing, while emphasizing the real-world application of regenerative medicine in advancing therapies and improving human health that will contribute directly to workforce development.
For the COMPASS path, up to 10 trainees per year will be appointed for 12 months. COMPASS trainees will conduct research and experiential learning activities for two months over the summer. For the Bridges path, up to 10 trainees will be appointed for 12 months and will conduct research and experiential learning for that entire period. Our trainees will also participate in community engagement and patient advocacy which will contribute indirectly to workforce development.
The range and scope of internship opportunities available to trainees are designed to reflect the full spectrum of the regenerative medicine and biotechnology workforce across the California and specifically our region. Trainees will be introduced to stem cell research through our academic courses. Some of these courses will enroll other science students which will contribute indirectly to workforce development. Our trainees will be placed in leading research institutes such as those within the regional stem cell research community; biotechnology and life sciences companies, biomanufacturing environments and alpha clinic. These experiences will expose trainees to diverse aspects of the field, including basic and translational stem cell research, preclinical development, and industry-driven applications. In manufacturing-focused settings, trainees will gain exposure to the manufacturing environment, cell therapy production workflows, quality control, and regulatory processes essential for clinical translation. Across all placements, trainees will contribute to hands-on projects that include stem cell culture and differentiation, genome editing, molecular and cellular assays, bioinformatics and data analysis, and participation in interdisciplinary research teams. These experiences are further enriched through engagement in seminars, scientific conferences, and collaborative research presentations, ensuring trainees develop both technical expertise and professional competencies. Collectively, this range of opportunities prepares trainees for diverse career pathways in academia, industry, and biomanufacturing, while emphasizing the real-world application of regenerative medicine in advancing therapies and improving human health that will contribute directly to workforce development.
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 pool of stem cell scientists. Our program is designed to meet this need by providing an opportunity for 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, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), has partnered with four regional community colleges to ensure recruitment from our broad geographic area and diverse student population. We deliver a robust and comprehensive internship program from primarily the undergraduate and graduate levels for an intensive summer (COMPASS trainees from CSUSM) or year-long (Bridges trainees from CSUSM or the local community colleges) research experience at academic or biotechnology industry laboratories. Trainees focus on a variety of applications of stem cell research to treat complex neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autism, and other disease targets such as cancer and diabetes. 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 as we will train 20 trainees each year, who are representative of our diverse region and most often remain in the area to join the scientific workforce.
Therefore, California will benefit from this additional pool of well-prepared stem cell scientists from diverse backgrounds that have a broad understanding of the benefits of stem cell research and can continue to advocate and accelerate California’s commitment to advancing stem cell research, treatments and therapies for human diseases.