Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program: JHU BioGREAT (Biomedical Graduate REsiliency & Adaptability Training)

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary: The Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Graduate Program at Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to training the ‘whole scientist’ and has evolved over the years to include a variety of training opportunities and institutional resources that foster both scientific independence and professional growth. Each BCMB student is now required to participate in a 3-part workshop series where they learn how to implement strategies and apply tools to maintain a productive and healthy work/life balance, as well as to manage time commitments and set priorities related to research and professional development. However, given the rise of mental health issues in biomedical graduate students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, that were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, there needs to be supplementary support to help biomedical graduate students identify additional tools and strategies to promote their well-being. The goal of this supplement to the BCMB T32 training program is (1) to establish new training material to expand on the targeted and longitudinal support and resilience training of BCMB graduate students and (2) to make the training material available to other graduate programs. Students who complete this new material will be able to (i) reframe potential setbacks at each program milestone into learning experiences to cultivate resilience and reduce imposter syndrome, (ii) improve skills supporting self-advocacy in order to communicate personal and professional needs within the laboratory and department, while navigating power dynamics as a trainee, and (iii) utilize a backwards design approach to effectively prioritize research and career needs, as well as mitigate conflict when nearing degree completion. Additionally, this supplement will allow us to package all the material together into a complete resiliency curriculum called JHU BioGREAT (Biomedical Graduate REsiliency & Adaptability Training). JHU BioGREAT will incorporate best practices in pedagogy to support a diverse student population, including combining asynchronous teaching material with in-person workshops using appropriate and accessible active-learning modules. We will host ‘train-the-trainer’ workshops to scale this resource so it can be adapted and utilized by graduate programs within and outside of JHU to support student success and promote resiliency throughout the doctoral training process.