Stem Cell Training Program at the Lundquist Institute

The goals for establishing the Lundquist Institute CIRM training program are threefold: 1) to create a stem cell-focused program at TLI that will enable to recruit and train researchers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, its translational significance, the underlying ethical considerations involved, “bench-to-bedside” translation, and commercialization strategies; 2) to educate the public, with a specific focus on South Bay, on the biology and ethics of stem cell research and keep the community updated on the technological advances in the field; and 3) to retain the trained stem cell researchers by providing access to the latest emerging companies based locally at TLI. Currently, the TLI CIRM training program has recruited and is supporting 7 postdoctoral fellows and 4 graduate students in the first period of this award. The scientific projects span different aspects of stem cell research and different organ systems (immune system, lung, brain, pancreas, etc.). The scope of these projects span disease modeling, gene editing approaches, as well as gene and cell therapy. The trainees are mentored by world renowned experts in developmental biology and stem cell research who have expertise in germ cells, human embryonic stem cell (hESC), and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation. A set of courses and training modules took place in this first period. Didactic courses in biostatistics, responsible conduct of research as well as technology transfer and commercialization were implemented. Basic stem cell coursework has been planned to take place in year 2. Furthermore, CIRM scholars in this period participated in training and outreach opportunities through the high school summer program as well as the little Einstein’s program initiated by the Lundquist Institute. Many trainees have attended national and international meetings where they presented their work and earned awards and recognitions for their work. The trainees also attended the monthly president’s lecture series, IWI monthly lecture series, where several renowned stem cell scientists were invited to speak. In addition, many of the trainees presented their work in progress at the bi-monthly research in progress forum. CIRM trainees, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, have selected or are in the process of selecting a mentoring committee. All trainees are then expected to meet with their mentoring committee to assess progress, career goals and individual development plans. Based on this, the trainees will submit an annual progress report that will be evaluated by the steering committee, and based on which funding for additional years would be granted. Our goal is to eventually lead CIRM fellows to achieve their goals and become significant players in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

The goals for establishing the Lundquist Institute CIRM training program were threefold: 1) to create a stem cell-focused program at TLI that will enable to recruit and train researchers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, its translational significance, the underlying ethical considerations, “bench-to-bedside” translation, and commercialization strategies; 2) to educate the public, with a specific focus on South Bay, on the biology and ethics of stem cell research and keep the community updated on the technological advances in the field; and 3) to retain the trained stem cell researchers by providing access to the latest emerging companies based locally at TLI. In this second reporting period, in line with our first goal, the TLI CIRM training program has recruited and supported nine postdoctoral fellows and 4 graduate students. The scientific projects span a wide array of stem cell-related projects involving several organ systems which primarily include the immune system, the developing lung, brain, pancreas, etc. The scope of these projects’ include disease modeling, gene editing approaches, as well as gene and cell therapy. The trainees continue to be mentored by world renowned experts in developmental biology and stem cell research who have expertise in germ cells, human embryonic stem cell (hESC), and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation. A set of courses and training modules took place in this period. Didactic courses in biostatistics, responsible conduct of research as well as technology transfer and commercialization class, and basics in stem cell biology class, were conducted. Mentoring and career development events were also held. In line with our second CIRM program goal, during this period of the training program, CIRM trainees participated in training and outreach opportunities through the high school summer program as well as the little Einstein’s program initiated by the Lundquist Institute. In addition, they participated in a Mini Medical school initiative, where they introduced stem cells and stem cell research to elementary school students in TLI’s neighborhoods. Many trainees attended national and international meetings where they presented their work and earned awards which included three prestigious awards from the American Thoracic Society and the American Physiological society, highlighting the quality of their research and recognition in the field. The trainees also attended the President’s Lecture Series, Institute of Women and Children’ Health Institute Within the Institute monthly lectures, featuring several renowned stem cell scientists. Furthermore, the trainees presented their work in progress at the bi-monthly research in progress forum and The Lundquist Institute (TLI) poster Day in October 2023. A total of three original supported by CIRM were published. In addition, we are partnering with other CIRM EDUC4 programs (e.g. CHLA), to expand the access of the trainees to scientific lectures and events. Our goal is to eventually lead CIRM fellows to achieve their goals and become significant players in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

The goals of the Lundquist Institute CIRM training program are: 1) to create a stem cell-focused program at TLI that will enable to recruit and train researchers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, its translational significance, the underlying ethical considerations, “bench-to-bedside” translation, and commercialization strategies; 2) to educate the public, with a specific focus on South Bay, on the biology and ethics of stem cell research and keep the community updated on the technological advances in the field; and 3) to retain the trained stem cell researchers by providing access to the latest emerging companies based locally at TLI. In this third reporting period, in line with our first goal, the TLI CIRM training program has continued to support seven postdoctoral fellows, and 2 graduate students appointed in the previous periods. The scientific projects span a wide array of stem cell-related projects involving several organ systems which primarily include the immune system, the developing lung, brain, pancreas, gonads, etc. The scope of these projects includes understanding organ development, disease modeling, gene editing approaches, as well as targeted gene, cell, and siRNA-based therapies. The trainees continue to be mentored by world renowned experts in developmental biology and stem cell research who have expertise in human embryonic stem cell (hESC), induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, gene editing, and organ repair and regeneration. A set of courses and training modules took place during this reporting period. Didactic courses in stem cell ethics and basics in stem cell coursework were conducted. Mentoring and career development events and workshops were also held (a series of comprehensive grant writing workshops and biostatistics). Additionally, in line with CIRM’s mission, during this period of the training program, trainees participated in training and outreach opportunities through the high school summer program at TLI, and the CIRM spark program at Charles Drew University (CDU). In addition, they participated in a Mini Medical school initiative, where they introduced stem cells and stem cell research to elementary school students in TLI’s neighborhoods. Additionally, the PI also participated in DREAM (Driving Resiliency through Empowerment, Advocacy, and Mentorship) program at Gardena High School. In partnership with Harbor-UCLA pediatrics and UCLA Medical students, this is a pipeline program to support dreams of high school students from diverse under-served/under-represented communities to pursue careers in healthcare. Along with other topics, they were introduced the power of stem cells to treat a diverse array of medical conditions and career opportunities in the field of stem cell biology. Many trainees attended national and international meetings where they presented their work and earned awards ds from the American Thoracic Society, the American Physiological Society, American Association of Immunologists, etc., highlighting the quality of their research and recognition in the field. The trainees also attended the President’s Lecture Series, Institute of Women and Children’ Health Institute Within the Institute (IWI) monthly lectures, featuring several renowned stem cell scientists, Neurotherapeutics, and Metabolism and Endocrinology IWI lecture series as well. Furthermore, the trainees presented their work in progress at the bi-monthly research in progress forum and The Lundquist Institute (TLI) trainee poster Day (held in February 2024). A total of four original studies and two reviews by CIRM trainees were published. In addition, we partner with other CIRM EDUC4 programs (e.g. CHLA), to expand the access of the trainees to scientific lectures and events. Our goal is to lead CIRM fellows to achieve their goals and become significant players in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.