Molecular and Cellular Biology Training Program

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Project Summary/Abstract The rapid emergence of novel ideas and technologies is transforming molecular and cellular biology into an increasingly quantitative and interdisciplinary science, opening additional research avenues but also creating challenges for graduate training. Meanwhile, increased recognition of the barriers faced by some students has prompted reevaluation of best practices in graduate education and mentorship. To embrace these new challenges and opportunities, we propose a new implementation of the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) training program at the University of Chicago. The primary goals are to train a diverse body of interdisciplinary molecular and cellular biologists, to arm them with the modern quantitative and computational skills needed to carry out rigorous and reproducible science, and to prepare them for success in academia, industry, and other research-related careers. The new MCB program will unite an exceptional group of 55 faculty trainers who span a range of relevant fields and share a deep commitment to graduate training. We request 20 slots to support trainees from a large pool of highly qualified students belonging mainly to four core graduate programs: (1) Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, (2) Cell and Molecular Biology, (3) Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, and (4) Microbiology. The new MCB program will play a unique role by integrating interdisciplinary research and training in molecular and cellular biology across these graduate programs. Building on the success of the previous MCB program, which ends this year, the new MCB program will serve as an institution-leading driver of innovation and excellence in graduate training. MCB trainees will be supported primarily in Years 2 and 3, but they will participate in program activities from matriculation to graduation. A new quantitative curriculum will provide them with robust, rigorous, and customizable instruction in statistical and computational data analysis and modeling. Expansion and enhancement of a previous Research in Progress series will provide MCB trainees with team-mentored training in scientific communication, and will broaden participation to additional students in MCB trainers' labs. A division-wide career development program, and a student-run MCB Symposium featuring MCB alumni, will help students to explore different career paths. The MCB program will promote excellence in mentorship through required activities that include mentoring compacts and annual faculty mentorship training. Additional guidance for MCB trainees will be provided by annual meetings with the MCB program directors. Finally, the MCB program and its participating faculty will promote the recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse scientific community through involvement in pipeline, outreach, and bridge programs, and through participation in graduate admissions and faculty recruitment. Professionally implemented evaluation tools will guide iterative improvements to the MCB program.