Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program at West Virginia University

West Virginia University, Morgantown WV

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. The Cell & Molecular Biology and Biomedical Engineering Training Program (CBTP) at West Virginia University is designed to provide advanced research training in cell biology, molecular biology and biomedical engineering to PhD students interested in pursuing careers as independent scientists. CBTP draws upon the existing high level training environments in the biomedical sciences PhD programs in the WVU Health Sciences Center and the PhD program in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, which recently developed a PhD program in Biomedical Engineering. The CBTP program aims to develop and sustain interdisciplinary graduate training in the biomedical sciences and biomedical engineering to prepare a biomedical workforce to address complex problems associated with human health and disease. The goals are to enhance scientific training, prepare trainees to tackle problems using multidisciplinary approaches and work in teams. The program plan has science-related objectives to enhance breadth and depth of scientific knowledge and increase the exchange of ideas between disciplines. The program plan aims to enhance professional and career development by expanding career awareness, providing training in professional skills and promoting experiential learning. The program has additional objectives to promote the ethical conduct of research, and rigor and reproducibility in science. Key activities to promote career awareness include Exploring Careers Symposia, a Non-academic Careers seminar series, and discussions between preceptor panels and trainees to provide transparency about the current biomedical workforce and training outcomes. Professional skills training will occur in stand-alone workshops and in workshops incorporated into other activities, e.g., program retreats or symposia. The program also devotes time to responsible conduct of research discussions between trainees and preceptor panels. The program plans to support six trainees per year and to make appointments for two years, with review at the end of the first year, prior to reappointment for a second year. The intended outcome of training is the development of students with an appreciation for multidisciplinary science, broader approaches to problems, and the ability to work collaboratively. Training will enhance professional skills and prepare students to promote the ethical pursuit of science.