Predoctoral Training Program in Genetics

Yale University, New Haven CT

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Genetics is a critical factor underlying human disease, wellness, and lifespan. Genetic research has led to enormous improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a great range of diseases. The long-term objective of the proposed program is to strengthen the national scientific workforce to improve human health. We have designed the Training Program in Genetics (TPG) to provide unified training in modern genetics research for predoctoral students across three campuses and from three main departments at Yale University. It aims to prepare PhD students for leadership positions in science and science-related careers via four key objectives: i) to provide training in rigorous experimental design, new technology and quantitative methods; ii) to foster intellectual interactions amongst geneticists addressing a wide variety of problems and across several departments; iii) to develop communication skills by providing opportunities to present research and by providing feedback on the presentations; iv) to develop leadership skills that are applicable not only in genetics research but also in a variety of other science and science-related careers. We will advocate for these innovations to be adopted by other training programs and therefore impact the university on a larger scale. Students develop skills via a combination of coursework, laboratory research, and a rich variety of carefully designed program-specific activities. The TPG will hold monthly Research in Progress talks, an annual Retreat, an annual Symposium, workshops on R statistics and other topics, and opportunities to discuss topics in genetics with undergraduates in a course for non-science majors. A number of career development opportunities will be provided. The TPG is distinguished from other training programs at Yale by the remarkable wealth of interests of its trainers. Faculty trainers are united by a common focus on genetics but address wide-ranging problems at different levels in a variety of species, providing exceptionally rich training. Junior trainers are mentored by senior trainers, and all take a common evidence-based course on mentoring. Students and trainers are selected via a set of criteria, including their scientific expertise and their commitment to mentoring and supporting student education. The program will be overseen by two Directors with complementary expertise, an internal Executive Committee, and an external Advisory Committee. Success of the TPG will be evaluated regularly according to a detailed plan designed and executed by a professional with expertise in program assessment. The program would welcome seven new students each year and provide stipend and tuition support during years 2 and 3 for 14 slots total per year, with a cohort of ~42 students across ~6 years of training.