Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency. The program offers exciting new research, educational, and training opportunities to biotechnology students at Pasadena City College (PCC). Program participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings throughout California.
Qualifying students selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program at PCC participate in a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research at one of three local renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California, and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The program offer trainees research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. In addition, selected students are eligible for coursework and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology, including a stem cell techniques course at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. The training prepares CIRM Bridges interns to work at various levels in stem cell research labs including laboratory assistant, lab manager, professional staff, and research associate, or to continue on to postgraduate programs.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance the internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). PCC has also added the following courses: advanced stem cell techniques course taught in collaboration with Caltech; fluorescent cell techniques and microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
CIRM Bridges interns also participate in community and high school outreach activities. Interns visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and help host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for the participating high school teachers and selected high school students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory for High School Students extends the outreach activities by providing stem cell training directly in the classrooms of participating teachers so that additional students have an opportunity to work with stem cells in an interactive way to encourage more students to become involved in stem cell research. In addition, teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine were developed and delivered to the general student population at PCC in several general education and biology-related courses.
Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research as well as related training activities has prepared the interns for research and career opportunities in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After participation in the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities to continue their education; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
The bridge formed between Pasadena City College and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to the PCC Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students who enroll in the PCC Biotechnology Program have diverse educational backgrounds ranging from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than 50% of the students who join the Biotechnology Program at PCC have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking additional training to secure employment or enter graduate and professional schools.
The students participating in the CIRM Bridges Internship Program represent the diversity of California’s population. Applicants are drawn from a pool of students in the Biotechnology Program at PCC and the general PCC student body which includes approximately 76% minority students, 45% low-income students, and 47% first-generation students.
The CIRM-funded stem cell training program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College brings advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students and brings the laboratory skills and diversity of PCC students to the California stem cell workforce.
Reporting Period:
Year 5
Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency. The program offers exciting new research, educational, and training opportunities to biotechnology students at Pasadena City College (PCC). Program participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings throughout California.
Qualifying students selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program at PCC participate in a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research at one of three local renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California, and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The program offers trainees research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. In addition, selected students are eligible for coursework and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology, including a stem cell techniques course at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories conducting stem cell research as well as related training activities has prepared the interns for research and career opportunities in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After participation in the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities to continue their education; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance the internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). PCC has also added the following courses: advanced stem cell techniques course taught in collaboration with Caltech; fluorescent cell techniques and microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
CIRM Bridges interns also participate in community and high school outreach activities. Interns visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for the participating high school teachers and selected high school students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory for High School Students extends the outreach activities by providing stem cell training directly in the classrooms of participating teachers so that additional students have an opportunity to work with stem cells in an interactive way to encourage more students to become involved in stem cell research. In addition, teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine were developed and delivered to the general student population at PCC in several general education and biology-related courses.
The bridge formed between Pasadena City College and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to the PCC Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students who join the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. These students have diverse educational backgrounds ranging from no college experience to advanced degrees. Generally, more than 50% of the students who enroll in the Biotechnology Program at PCC have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking additional training to secure employment or enter graduate and professional schools. The students participating in the CIRM Bridges Internship Program represent the diversity of California’s population since the program participants are drawn from a pool of students in the PCC Biotechnology Program and the general PCC student body which includes approximately 76% minority students, 45% low-income students, and 47% first-generation students.
The CIRM-funded stem cell training program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College brings advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students and brings the laboratory skills and diversity of PCC students to the California stem cell workforce.
Reporting Period:
Year 6
Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency. The program offers exciting new research, educational, and training opportunities to biotechnology students at Pasadena City College (PCC). Program participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings throughout California.
Qualifying students selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program at PCC participate in a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research at one of three local renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California, and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The program offers trainees research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. In addition, selected students are eligible for coursework and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology, including a stem cell techniques course at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research as well as related training activities has prepared the interns for research and career opportunities in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After participation in the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities to continue their education; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance the internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). PCC has also added the following courses: advanced stem cell techniques course taught in collaboration with Caltech; fluorescent cell techniques and microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
CIRM Bridges interns also participate in community and high school outreach activities. Interns visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected high school students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory for High School Students extends the outreach activities by providing stem cell training directly in the classrooms of participating teachers so that additional students have an opportunity to work with stem cells in an interactive way to encourage more students to become involved in stem cell research. In addition, teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine were developed and delivered to the general student population at PCC in several general education and biology-related courses.
The bridge formed between Pasadena City College and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to the PCC Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students who join the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. These students have diverse educational backgrounds ranging from no college experience to advanced degrees. Generally, more than 50% of the students who enroll in the Biotechnology Program at PCC have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking additional training to secure employment or enter graduate and professional schools. The students participating in the CIRM Bridges Internship Program represent the diversity of California’s population since the program participants are drawn from a pool of students in the Biotechnology Program at PCC and the general PCC student body which includes approximately 70% minority students, 49% low-income students, and 44% first-generation students.
Summary:
The CIRM-funded stem cell training program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College brings advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students and brings the laboratory skills and diversity of PCC students to the California stem cell workforce.
Reporting Period:
Year 7/NCE
Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state’s stem cell agency. The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to biotechnology students at Pasadena City College (PCC). Program participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities. Now in its seventh year, the program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program at PCC participate in a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three local renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The program offers trainees research opportunities with more than 40 mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology, including a stem cell techniques course at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). PCC has also added courses in: advanced stem cell techniques (taught in collaboration with Caltech); fluorescent cell techniques and microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
CIRM Bridges interns also participate in community and high school outreach activities. Interns visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected high school students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory for High School Students extends outreach activities by providing stem cell training in the classrooms of participating teachers. Thus, additional students can work with stem cells in an interactive way and are encouraged to become involved in stem cell research. The outreach program has produced a further benefit, namely the development of teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. The modules have been delivered to the general student population at PCC in both general education and biology-related courses.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to the PCC Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students who join the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. They have varied educational backgrounds ranging from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half of the students who enroll in the Biotechnology Program have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking additional training to secure employment or enter graduate and professional schools. Individuals selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of students in the Biotechnology Program and the general student body which is 70% minority, 49% low-income, and 44% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research at Pasadena City College brings advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research as well as related training activities has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After participating in the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities to continue their education; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Bridges to Stem Cell Research
Public Abstract:
The proposed CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Award will support and enhance further development of an existing stem cell biology training program that includes a wide range of internship opportunities, a rigorous curriculum, substantive auxiliary training opportunities, and stem cell techniques coursework at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. Based upon the applicant institution’s demographics (nearly 76% minorities, 45% low-income, and 47% first-generation) and their experience in biotechnology training, it is anticipated that CIRM Bridges interns recruited for the project will represent the diversity of California’s population. The grant project will build upon existing partnerships between the home institution and three outstanding host institutions that have collaborated on earlier projects to enhance stem cell research. Potential interns will be recruited through strong community outreach, including dissemination of General Education modules for stem cell education, inviting students from other colleges and universities to attend seminars and programs, advertising through campus and community media outlets, and support from established biotechnology research and training centers. The CIRM Bridges program will provide up to 30 internships over three years. Internships will last one year. Interns will be required to complete a Certificate of Achievement in Biological Technology (or equivalent) and a Stem Cell Culture Certificate (total of 59 units). The following courses will be added to the curriculum: 1) advanced stem cell techniques (collaboration with a host institution); 2) fluorescent microscopy; and 3) journal club. A stem cell unit will be added to RNA Interference and majors Cell and Molecular Biology courses. General Education stem cell modules will be produced at both the collegiate and secondary level. Interns will be eligible for coursework in stem cell biology at host institutions, including CIRM-funded courses. Auxiliary training will encompass seminars (on topics such as intellectual property, confidentiality and career opportunities), attendance at scientific meetings and symposiums, and research presentations. The training will prepare CIRM Bridges interns to work at various levels in stem cell research labs including laboratory assistant, lab manager, professional staff, and research associates, or to continue in postgraduate programs. The program will offer trainees research opportunities with 40 potential mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. By combining established programs and partnerships, rigorous curriculum, mentoring at both the home and host institutions, performance evaluations of trainees and program, and experienced leadership and research opportunities at partner institutions, the program will produce highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The proposed CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Award will fulfill CIRM’s objectives to: augment the ranks of laboratory personnel trained in state of the art stem cell research techniques; connect promising trainees with potential employers; and broaden participation in stem cell research by individuals representing the diversity of California’s population. The diversity of prospective interns is ensured by both the applicant institution’s demographics (nearly 76% are minorities, 45% are low-income, and 47% are first-generation) and their experience with student populations in their biotechnology program. The grant will support and enhance an existing stem cell biology training program that includes: • internship opportunities with 40 potential mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine • up to 30 one-year internships over life of the grant • rigorous curriculum and established Biotechnology Certificate Program • established partnerships between the home and host institutions • substantive auxiliary training opportunities • stem cell techniques coursework at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory • extensive mentoring and program evaluation strategies • experienced leadership at partner institutions These attributes will ensure that the program produces highly qualified lab personnel from diverse backgrounds for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
