Developmental Biology Training Program

University Of Oregon, Eugene OR

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Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Oregon’s long-standing predoctoral Developmental Biology Training Program’s goal is to train rigorous, skilled, and innovative developmental biologists. Our trainees develop abilities to lead research programs of their own, communicate discoveries to scientists and the public, and teach future generations of scientists. Our multi-faceted training equips students to become leading academic and non-academic scientists or achieve other influential research-related careers. The DBTP now integrates basic and applied developmental biology research and training, reflecting trainee career outcomes and emerging institutional strengths. We incorporate six training faculty and Ph.D. students from UO’s new Department of Bioengineering within the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. Individualized research training within one of many active and diverse laboratories remains the program’s core. Trainees’ thesis research builds upon a continuously innovating curricular foundation. Core graduate-level courses are Molecular Genetics and Developmental Genetics and one of Developmental Neurobiology, Stem Cells & Regeneration, and Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Additionally, all trainees take Advanced Biological Statistics. We surround research and coursework with a wealth of enhancing and broadening experiences. Examples include first year rotations, required teaching, a journal club that unites basic and applied developmental biology, a monthly interest group, annual student research reports, and interactions with visiting speakers. We offer an array of newly developed career development activities, especially to support students interested in non-academic careers. A unique highlight is our annual trainee-organized DBTP symposium at which trainees host leading scientists studying a topic of the students’ choosing. We request support for six predoctoral positions within a program that includes 22 collaborative, productive, and well-funded labs dedicated to graduate training. The UO fully funds one additional trainee position to support diversity. Training faculty represent a range of perspectives, career stages, and research interests, positioning the DBTP to maintain its outsized record of innovative research and training. The DBTP unites faculty and trainees from four Departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Human Physiology, and Bioengineering), four Institutes (Institute of Molecular Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology), and the rapidly expanding Knight Campus. Trainees are exposed to research across Institutes due to a rich tradition of collaboration, common training activities, the close proximity of most labs, and outstanding core facilities. As such, our program fosters interdisciplinary training that bridges genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, computational biology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and regenerative medicine. This breadth complements the project-oriented training students receive in their thesis labs, producing creative and confident scientists empowered to direct impactful research programs or assume other science leadership roles.