Predoctoral Training Program in Chemistry and Biology

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The landscape of biomedical research is changing rapidly due to major technological and conceptual advances, creating new research opportunities and expansion in the scope of occupations while posing challenges for graduate training in quantitative and multidisciplinary science. Furthermore, an emphasis on best practices in graduate education and mentorship has emerged from socioeconomic shifts. To respond to these ongoing developments and the needs of students and the broader society, the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) and the Department of Chemistry (Chem) at The University of Chicago propose an interdisciplinary, predoctoral training program directed at the interface of the chemical and biological sciences (CBI) that aims to recruit, educate and train a diverse, new generation of biomedical scholars by deploying new best practices in training, mentoring, and education to promote rigorous cross- disciplinary research while developing quantitative literacy and maintaining depth in the core discipline, thereby preparing them for success in careers that require scientific training. The program benefits from outstanding faculty and students and introduction of new courses in interdisciplinary science. The 25 training faculty consists of twelve faculty with appointments in BMB (one with a joint appointment in Chemistry), ten faculty in Chemistry (one with a joint appointment in BMB), two in the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, and one in Molecular Engineering. Strategies to develop cross-disciplinary training include: (1) satisfactory completion of a core course in Chemical Biology and a breadth course in the department of the other scientific discipline; (2) cross-disciplinary thesis research; (3) participation in a series of monthly meetings throughout the academic year designated as "Integrative Discussions at the Interface of Chemistry & Biology" to gain acquaintance with theoretical concepts and methods; (4) participation in two quarterly meetings focused on advanced chemical tools in biology (ACT-Bio) and biological problems that require chemical solutions (BPRCS); (5) participation in two in two annual half-day events: a CBI Minisymposium and an “in-house” poster retreat; and (6) workshops to promote quantitative literacy and rigor and reproducibility. Participation in a division-wide career development program helps students explore and prepare for different career paths. The broad scope of the interdisciplinary research interests of the faculty strengthened through collaborative research and teaching ensures a wide variety of opportunities for meaningful cross-training. The program will promote excellence in mentorship through more frequent advising, mentoring compacts and required annual faculty mentorship training. Through active participation in pipeline, outreach, and bridge programs, and through participation in graduate admissions and faculty recruitment, program faculty will promote the recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse scientific community. An external advisory committee and professionally implemented evaluation instruments will guide improvements to the program.