Chemical Biology Training Interface

State University New York Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The overall goals of the Chemical Biology Training Program (CBTP) at Stony Brook University (SBU) are (i) to produce successful, independent, professional, rigorous, and ethical Ph.D. scientists trained at the interface of chemistry and biology and (ii) to maintain a scientific research environment that is supportive of trainee development. Our mission is to train scientists prepared to enter the biomedical research-based workforce and make major contributions to health and human welfare in the United States. The rationale for the CBTP is that our faculty and program have the unique capability to advance biomedicine by providing training at the chemistry-biology interface. Training objectives are to develop 6 core competencies: conceptual knowledge of chemical biology, research skills, responsible conduct of research (RCR), communication skills, professionalism, and leadership & management skills. Trainees are selected from 4 graduate programs: Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, and Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology. Trainees specialize in fields spanning chemical biology; the 28 faculty in the CBTP have interests that include: infectious diseases, oncology, immunology, developmental biology, neurobiology, drug design, cell signaling, organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, enzymology, pharmacology, and materials chemistry. Trainees learn principles and techniques of chemical biology in a core 3-semester course sequence including rigorous, quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The CBTP incorporates multiple professional development and networking opportunities and requirements including: required monthly meetings for research presentations, discussions on rigor and reproducibility, and RCR refresher training; career development workshops led by alumni; workshops to enhance professionalism, leadership, communication skills, and promotion of safe research environments, including in collaboration with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science (unique to SBU); required participation in annual symposia and poster sessions; and a big/little graduate sibling mentorship program. Communication between trainees, faculty, and oversight committees is facilitated, and students, faculty, and the program are assessed through required meetings and rubrics. The assessments are used to ensure that students are guided to timely graduation with the required skills and outcomes, such as first-author publications, a strong foundation in rigor and reproducibility, the ability to think critically and independently, the ability to work in teams, and the ability to communicate effectively, both with colleagues and with the public. Recruitment of students is achieved through activities that target tri-state area campuses as well as national conferences. Retention is achieved through the creation of a strong CBTP community via activities that include monthly lunch meetings, bi-annual retreats, and a peer mentoring program. Eleven funded positions are requested per year, to be matched by 5 institutional training slots. Fellows are supported in their 2nd and 3rd year, but participate in the program until graduation.