Predoctoral Training Program in Signaling and Cellular Regulation

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SUMMARY The goal of this training grant proposal is to prepare predoctoral trainees for productive research careers in the field of signaling and cellular regulation. The training faculty mentors consist of an outstanding, internationally recognized group of researchers in the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, who, by using the highest standards of scientific rigor and reproducibility, have make major breakthroughs towards the discovery and characterization of new mechanisms for biological cell signaling and regulation. The program will mentor students to gain critical thinking skills and depth in understanding how to assimilate different scientific areas to solve problems in modern molecular biosciences, and teach them how to use apply these skills when they enter the biomedical research workforce. Program elements will include program-specific elective courses, an annual Symposium, Supergroup research conferences, seminars, and journal clubs, together with trainee monitoring through thesis committees and organizational meetings. These approaches will expose students to broad, interdisciplinary scientific areas through cross-disciplinary mentorship, collaboration, and team building; provide them with rigorous training in experimental design, classical and modern technologies, and data analysis, with high standards for reproducibility; foster a proactive community effort to promote the recruitment and retention of underrepresented trainees; and support students’ progress and ability to work in teams in an inclusive environment through all aspects of their training. Coursework on responsible conduct of research will instill students with an awareness of norms and expectations for conducting research with high ethical standards. Professional development and career training workshops will expose students to diverse career trajectories and opportunities, with experiential coaching for planning and landing employment. By integrating SCR Program-specific coursework and activities with departmental graduate program requirements, and through mindful and responsive mentoring, we will create a thriving collaborative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary graduate training environment.