Genetics and Cell Biology Training Program

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Project Summary: This is a new application to support a pre-doctoral training program in Genetics and Cell Biology at The Rockefeller University, an institution with a rich history in these areas. The mission of the program is to provide a diverse pool of trainees with the instruction, experience, and career development support needed for successful careers in genetics and cell biology. Objectives of the program include recruiting outstanding graduate trainees from diverse backgrounds to the training program and providing them with comprehensive didactic training, state-of-the-art research skills, and professional skills needed for careers in the biomedical science workforce. Incorporated into the training plan are recurring training in responsible conduct of research and mechanisms to increase retention and reduce time-to-degree. We propose to support 12 pre-doctoral trainees per year in their second and third year of training: 6 in year two and 6 in year three. The applicant pool is outstanding, including many students with accomplished undergraduate records, extensive research experience and a strong interest in genetics and cell biology. The 49 faculty trainers are accomplished scientists, including 3 Nobel laureates and 19 members of the US National Academy of Sciences, with a shared interest and experience in graduate education. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages trainees to perform collaborative work in various areas with different faculty. Trainees would be mentored by the Program Directors; a Program Advisory Committee of selected faculty for general curriculum and research advice; and a Faculty Advisory Committee, specifically designed for each trainee to provide detailed experimental guidance. An External Advisory Committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and provide advice on new initiatives. Our past trainees have been highly successful, with most continuing in biomedical research careers. Upon completion, we expect trainees to have diverse scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and professional development skills necessary to become leaders in their chosen field.