CIRM COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science) training program prepares a diverse cadre of undergraduate students for careers in regenerative medicine through combining hands-on research opportunities with strategic and structured mentorship experiences. SFSU, one of 16 COMPAS awardees, aims to establish the Inclusive Pathways for Stem Cell Scholars (IPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program and recruit biology undergraduate students who may go unrecognized, and who are open to and interested in alternative career pathways in regenerative medicine besides graduate or medical school. The program grants two-year scholarships to 25 undergraduate scholars over the course of the five-year funding period (2022-2027) and provide resources and supports to build the foundation for implementing innovative and inclusive diversity training address current and diverse workforce needs in emerging stem cell, gene editing and regenerative medicine fields.
SFSU COMPASS program was awarded in November 2022. In January 2023, two students were appointed to the 2023 CIRM COMPASS-IPSCS cohort (Year 1 scholarship: 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023). In June, 2023, three students recommended by the Student Enrichment Opportunities office (SEO) were appointed to the Year 1 cohort (Year 1 scholarship: 6/1/2023 to 5/31/2024). These five COMPSS trainees, from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have been immersed in vigorous academic training through inclusive, active-learning STEM curricula, hands-on research training, structured mentorship experiences, and outreach engagement activities. The SFSU COMPASS program is developing inclusive curricula and interdisciplinary career pathways, guided by principles of academic excellence and a deep appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, for preparing a broadly inclusive, well-trained life science workforce in regenerative medicine.
Reporting Period:
Year 2
SFSU CIRM COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science)- Inclusive Pathways for Stem Cell Scholars (IPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program prepares Biology undergraduate students who may otherwise go unrecognized, and who are open to and interested in alternative career pathways in regenerative medicine besides Ph.D. or medicine. The program provides financial resources and structured mentorship guidance to the trainees for entering an inclusive biomedical workforce in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Four COMPASS trainees who were appointed to the Year 1 COMPASS-IPSCS cohort in 2023 continued to Year 2 cohort. Six new trainees, most without prior research exposure, were appointed in 2024 to Year 2 Cohort. These 10 COMPASS Cohort 2 scholars mostly from disadvantaged socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds, have been immersed in comprehensive academic training. They were introduced to diverse stem cell and regenerative medicine career options through inclusive, active-learning STEM curricula, hands-on research training, structured mentorship experiences, and community engagement activities
Reporting Period:
Year 3
SFSU CIRM COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science)- Inclusive Pathways for Stem Cell Scholars (IPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program prepares Biology undergraduate students who may go unrecognized, and who are open to and interested in alternative career pathways in regenerative medicine besides but not excluding Ph.D. or medicine. The program provides financial resources and structured mentorship guidance to the trainees for entering an inclusive biomedical workforce in stem cell and regenerative medicine. 3 trainees from Year 2 Cohort continued to 2025 Year 3 Cohort. Additionally, we selected 7 new trainees during 2025 for Year 3 Cohort. These 10 COMPASS Cohort 3 scholars, mostly from disadvantaged socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds, and/or without prior research training, have been immersed in comprehensive academic training. They were introduced to diverse stem cell and regenerative medicine career options through inclusive, active-learning STEM curricula, intensive bootcamp training, hands-on research training, structured mentorship experiences, and community engagement activities.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Inclusive Pathways for a Stem Cell Scholar (iPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program
Public Abstract:
The COMPASS-iSPCS program (Creating Opportunities Through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science - Inclusive Pathways for Stem Cell Scholars Undergraduate Training Program) will capitalize on our university’s distinguished record in training students for success in STEM fields; our well-established network of university and industry partners; our location in the well-known bio-innovation hub of the San Francisco Bay Area and our proven record in training a diverse cadre of students for success in today’s changing biomedical workplace. The program is designed to increase diversity in the California’s regenerative medicine workforce by increasing the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and to prepare all participants for success in an increasingly diverse workplace. Over a five-year period, the program will provide stem cell training for 25 trainees who are open to and most interested in alternative career paths in regenerative medicine. Trainees will be appointed a two-year CIRM fellowship during their junior and senior years. They will be immersed in student-centered curricula that are augmented by inclusive mentoring experiences, course-based project experiences and a hands-on research internship. It is expected that the trainees will emerge from the program with deep content knowledge, and an appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, which aligns with SFSU’s core values of community, equity, resilience of the mind, and courage. Long-term, the program will contribute to the diversification of the research profession and the scientific workforce.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The program will benefit the State of California by developing a comprehensive program focused on stem cell and regenerative medicine training to prepare a broadly inclusive, well-trained science and engineering workforce. It focuses on developing interdisciplinary and diverse career paths through instruction in principles of molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, data science, and supplemental training in entrepreneurship and leadership while addressing the ethics of scientific and professional conduct. The program is expected to increase the number and diversity of well-educated scholars who will excel in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and allied fields thereby mentoring the next generation of leaders with the knowledge to master future challenges in translational work in regenerative biomedical science and medicine.
