Predoctoral Training in Cross-disciplinary Molecular and Cellular Biology

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Project Summary/Abstract The goals of this training program entitled “Predoctoral Training in Cross-disciplinary Molecular and Cellular Biology” (CMCB) at Brandeis University are to produce rigorous, quantitative scientists with expertise in multiple disciplines, to provide trainees with the skills needed to succeed in diverse science-related careers, and to help trainees explore and pursue their career interests in an informed manner. This new program combines the complementary strengths of two prior Brandeis T32 programs: “Genetic and Biochemical Mechanisms of Regulation, T32GM007122”, expiring after >40 years of NIGMS support, and “Quantitative Biology, T32EB009419”, expiring after 10 years of NIBIB support. While both training programs had strong track records of student research productivity and career outcomes, we significantly rethought and revised core elements of training (based on student and faculty feedback) to better prepare students for a future in which interdisciplinary research is increasingly crucial. Innovations include: (1) increased quantitative training, through courses and an annual workshop, (2) revising the timing and goal of the qualifying exam, both to improve the training value and to better serve students from diverse scientific and personal backgrounds, (3) earlier implementation of Individual Development Plans and Thesis Committee Meetings to accelerate trainee career development and research progress, (4) introducing a secondary research advisor in a complementary discipline to facilitate interdisciplinary training, (5) a two week professional Externship in Year 4+, (6) new program self-assessment mechanisms, including semi-annual trainee feedback and the creation of an External Advisory Committee, and (7) formal training in and oversight of mentoring for all training faculty. Trainee appointments will be made at the end of Year 1, after students have completed one year of coursework, four 9- week laboratory rotations, and chosen a lab. In Year 2, trainees serve as teaching assistants for one course per semester, take a Proseminar course to help them craft their thesis research plan and defend it at their qualifying exam (end of Year 2), and to develop a career Individual Development Plan (IDP). In Year 3+, trainees take a final elective and focus on their research. They present their work at annual Departmental talks, have annual Thesis Committee Meetings focused on career planning and research progress. In Year 4+, they engage in a two-week career Externship and serve as mentors at the annual Quantitative Analysis workshop. Program outcomes and success will be measured by: (1) sustained research impact (reflected in trainee publications), (2) development of independent scientific thinking and communication (assessed through thesis proposals, annual Departmental talks and Thesis Committee Meetings), (3) active trainee engagement in their own career development (reflected in annual IDPs, discussions at Thesis Committee Meetings, and the new Externship program), and (4) trainee placement and long-term success in science-related careers. There are 29 CMCB training faculty, and 12 slots are requested (~6 trainees/year, with trainees supported in Years 2 and 3).