Convergent graduate training in systems biology at Yale

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The training program “Convergent Training in Systems Biology at Yale” will train students to tackle contemporary problems in biomedical research using a systems biology approach, which integrates experimental techniques with computational and mathematical modeling. Trainees will investigate biological systems as dynamic, multi- scale biological networks that span a wide range of time and length scales from genes to cells and tissues. By combining innovative coursework with mandatory professional development activities to improve their communication, leadership, and career self-efficacy, trainees will enter the biomedical workforce and make significant contributions to systems biology. We seek funding for 5 student slots per year to fund two consecutive years of the first three years of study per trainee, with Yale funding the remaining year. Trainees will enter the training program through 9 participating home departments/programs: Biomedical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science; Computational Biology & Bioinformatics; Cell Biology; Genetics; Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology; Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry; Physics; and Applied Physics. Trainees will develop disciplinary expertise through their home department/program, and systems biology knowledge through program coursework, featuring evidence-based teaching methods, such as peer-learning and team science to develop trainees’ ability to collaborate and communicate across disciplines. Additionally, several courses feature a modular format in which trainers with diverse, but complementary backgrounds, co- teach. To bring all students to a common level of knowledge, the training program offers primer courses in mathematics/computer programming and biology. Trainees will complete all training program and departmental course requirements in the first two years and will join their Ph.D. thesis lab in year one. Therefore, the training program does not increase the time to the Ph.D. degree. The training program offers professional development workshops, program-specific internship opportunities, and seminars, pitch competitions, and other activities aimed at building a cohesive cohort. The training program is closely associated with the Program in Physics, Engineering and Biology (PEB), Systems Biology Institute, and Quantitative Biology Institute at Yale, which provide a larger research community for the training program. Yale’s West Campus and PEB will combine resources to provide 3 additional matching slots, which will allow the training program to support a total of 8 students out of the cohort of 13-15 training grant eligible Ph.D. students per year. The training program has a vigorous recruitment plan, which includes new and existing college/university partners (e.g. Morehouse College, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and Southern Connecticut State University) and an NSF REU Site, which allows the training program leadership to identify promising URM undergraduates interested in systems biology. Additionally, the program has well-developed tracking and evaluation components to identify and remediate any problem areas and ensure that the training program objectives are being achieved.