Graduate Training at the Biology-Chemistry Interface

University Of Kansas Lawrence, Lawrence KS

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Abstract

Project Summary The Graduate Training Program at the Biology-Chemistry Interface at the University of Kansas aims to innovate graduate training by (1) providing training across the biology-chemistry interface that emphasizes rigor, reproducibility, and transparency for both students and mentors, (2) augmenting career development for graduate students at KU through curricular training and extracurricular events, and (3) provide a training program that prepares scientists for breadth of careers in the biomedical sciences. Our highly successful program includes a Graduate Certificate Program in Chemical Biology that provides an inter-disciplinary training curriculum available to supported trainees and the wider graduate student population across disciplines. During the first year of training students will take a course in the Principles and Practices of Chemical Biology; The Responsible Conduct of Research; and Careers in the Biomedical Sciences. These courses provide interdisciplinary training in modern research methods, experimental design and offer opportunities to conduct team-based learning and build communication skills. In the second year, students that are reappointed will take an elective course outside of their home department and a Computational Literacy course, these are designed to broaden the educational experience and build skills required for a modern biomedical research career. Each year, the program hosts a Chemical Biology Symposium, organized by the students. This enables students to network with leaders in the field and to build skills in teamwork and communication. We hold two Mentor Training workshops a year that provide open dialogue about rigor, reproducibility, and transparency in science and mentee career development. Applicants can be nominated by mentors across the biology-chemistry interface in the Departments of Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. We project 8 trainees, to be appointed for 2 years each. The overarching goal of the proposed training program is to produce scientists who are well-trained in rigorous and transparent scientific methodology, experimental design, and data interpretation, and who have developed the professional skills required to find success in a broad range of research-intensive or research-related careers.