The Training Program in Stem Cell Biology (Training Program) takes advantage of the exceptional depth and breadth of the university research environment to provide holistic training in Stem Cell Biology. This Training Program leverages faculty that are among the leaders in the world for this area of biology and cutting-edge technologies and facilities that accelerate discovery. Trainees receive mentorship and guidance to enable them to move on to shape the future application of stem cells towards clinical priorities.

During the 2022-2023 appointment period, 19 predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical fellows trained and worked in a supportive environment that encouraged individual meetings with program faculty where they gained broad interdisciplinary training, training in mentoring and communications, and were exposed to diverse career options.

The Training Program achieved its goals in its first year by ensuring that pre-doctoral trainees fulfilled the requirements of the home PhD program and demonstrated satisfactory progress on their laboratory research, and wherein all trainees participated in coordinated training grant-specific activities that integrated:

1. 1-on-1 mentoring and development of detailed individual development plans

2. Formal classroom training in Development and Stem Cell Biology, Stem Cell Communications, Stem Cell Ethics, and Intellectual Property and Stem Cells.

3. Participation in a series of available elective courses on modern methods, techniques and approaches, regulatory science, manufacturing and process development, etc.

4. Active participation in Trainee Science Communications Workshops and Outreach Activities

5. Active participation in the university’s stem cell seminar series including expanded conversation with renowned visiting faculty speakers during a designated student/trainee lunch.

6. Attendance and poster participation at the university’s annual stem cell symposium.

7. Participation at the LABEST 2023 bioscience conference.