SCILL- Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning

The primary goal of the San José State University Consortium for Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is to continue to provide the State of California and the central coast region with well-educated scientists who are proficient in stem cell biology at the master’s graduate level. The program is designed to equip students with a broad-based understanding of stem cell biology through classroom instruction and seminars, and in-depth, laboratory-based expertise in a specialty area unique to each student’s professional development plan through a yearlong internship. These experiences are built on the foundation of a strong classroom laboratory experience at San José State University, coupled with an array of stem cell internship opportunities encompassing basic cell and molecular research at our research university partners (Stanford University and UC Santa Cruz), translational research involving stem cell product development at our corporate partner (Asterias, Inc. Notelabs), and clinical applications of stem cell science at the Parkinson’s Institute. The SJSU SCILL program is a two-year program leading to an M.A./M.S. Biological Sciences or a Professional Science Master of Biotechnology (MBT) degree. Ten students are enrolled annually in the SJSU SCILL program. Master’s candidates in our M.A./M.S. Biological Sciences have career goals in basic research and emphasize a specialty through their program of study. Master’s candidates in our MBT Program are seeking careers in the private sector emphasizing product development and commercialization. The SJSU SCILL students complete an academic program composed of graduate laboratory courses in immunology, molecular biology, flow cytometry, stem cell biology, graduate writing skills, career planning class, bench to bed side (product development class, patient interaction activity class and community ou reach based class. Students may take additional elective related courses in consultation with their SJSU faculty mentor. First cohort funded by CIRM 2 grant: During fall semester they participated in stem cell biology core classes with intensive laboratory practical work, molecular biology lab lecture class, developmental biology class. In the spring students participated for the first time in the pilot classes: Bench to Bed Side, Patient interaction, community outreach. All classes went smooth and were very informative and inspirational for the students. Additionally students also participated in graduate level writing class, flow cytometry and additional elective classes. A second goal of the SJSU SCILL Program is to provide an educational experience for non-science majors and the general public in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. For the first time this year we conducted Stem cell awareness day at SJSU in October 2016.students for the program created booth that provided discussion and tools for understanding stem cells to walk by SJSU students. A second public event was hold in May 11, 2017 at the general public library in San Jose. Kevin McCormack lectured and provided insights on stem cell therapies. SCILL students provided more specific information on the promised of stem cells in Diabetes, spinal cord injury and Leukemia. Throughout this period, funds from 1 year CIRM 2 were also used to recruit a new cohort SCILL 2017 that will start the program in Fall 2017. Administration: The program director of CIRM 1, Dr. Tzvia Abramson , continued to assume responsibility in CIRM 2 grant. Dr. Boothby – a program leader and manager, retired during this period and was replaced by Dr. Grillo-Hill. No additional administrative changes occurred during this report period.

Public Summary of Scientific Progress The primary goal of the San José State University Consortium for Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is to continue to provide the State of California and the central coast region with well-educated scientists who are proficient in stem cell biology at the graduate level. The program is designed to equip students with a broad-based understanding of stem cell biology through classroom instruction and seminars, and in-depth, laboratory-based expertise in a specialty area unique to each student’s professional development plan through a yearlong internship. These experiences are built on the foundation of a strong stem cell biology curriculum and classroom laboratory experience at San José State University, coupled with an array of stem cell internship opportunities. The core stem cell biology curriculum continues to include: Stem cell lab, lecture, journal club, research project presentations, Molecular biology, Developmental biology, Flow cytometry, and scientific writing. In addition, specific to CIRM 2 round of funding, our program incorporated three new classes: 1) Patient Engagement and Interaction-students were trained in topics such as challenges facing and communicating with chronic patients, respectful interaction, mock interactions with patients and providing feedback on those interactions. They obtained lectures from Guy Livneh- AML patient, Colleen O'Leary-Kelley - Ph.D., RN Director of Nursing, Dr. Santiago, Dr. Andrushka, and Dr. Schuele (Parkinson's).  We expanded the collaboration with Parkinson's Institute for students volunteering activities. Students shadowed physicians visits with patients, participated in physical therapy sessions and contributed to voice recording activities for speech therapy. It was moving to assess the students feedback on these activities. They all commented on the overwhelming and humbling experience from participating in the intimate visits with patients. Some of the students were exposed for the first time to chronic disease patients in general, and in particular, Parkinson patients at various stages. Students appreciated this experience and commented on the new perspective that this activity contributed to the significance of stem cell research. This was a valuable and successful module and we are very appreciative of the efforts and contribution from the Parkinson's Institute team and especially Dr. Schuele who facilitated this segment of our program. 2) Bench to Bedside- providing a sense of the process of translating a research study into a therapy. Students will attend in the Fall a new 3 unit graduate class on product development offered by Dr. Mark W. Schwartz former CEO and expert in biotech topics. 3) Community Outreach-students prepared a presentation on stem cell promises and each delivered at least 3 presentations at various Community colleges, high schools, and middle schools. Also, as part of this module, students received a lecture and guidance on stem cell advocacy from Kevin McCormack from CIRM. Students also participated in several diseases "walks" and we put together a stem cell awareness day open to the public and SJSU students. As far as the internship portion of the program- we enrolled new biotech collaborators. The current cohort is placed for internships at Stanford, Parkinson's Institute and 4 biotech companies: Amgen, Asteria Biotherapeutics, NotableLlabs and NeoCyte. We recently finalized the enrollment of a new cohort that will start the program in the Fall SCILL 2018. All 10 spots available are filled. We are looking forward to a new successful CIRM/Bridges/SCILL program.

Synopsis: The primary goal of the San José State University Consortium for Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is to continue to provide the State of California and the central coast region with well-educated scientists who are proficient in stem cell biology at the graduate level. The program is designed to equip students with a broad-based understanding of stem cell biology through classroom instruction and seminars, and in-depth, laboratory-based expertise in a specialty area unique to each student’s professional development plan through a year-long internship. Specifically, to CIRM 2 round of funding, we incorporated three new classes: 1) patient engagement and interaction, 2) Bench to Bed side- providing a sense of the process of translating a research study in to a therapy 3) Community outreach and patient advocacy where students obtain education on describing stem cells and their promises and inform the public on stem cell therapies. These experiences are built on the foundation of a strong stem cell biology curriculum and classroom laboratory experience at San José State University, coupled with an array of stem cell internship opportunities encompassing basic cell and molecular research at our research university partners (Stanford University and UC Santa Cruz), translational research involving stem cell product development at our corporate partners (Asterias, Inc. Notable labs, NeuCyte and Amgen). The SJSU SCILL program is a two-year program leading to an M.A./M.S. Biological Sciences or a Professional Science Master of Biotechnology (MBT) degree. Students enrollment: Ten students are enrolled annually in the SJSU SCILL program. Students are selected from the pool of applicants to master’s at SJSU in biology department and masters in biotechnology program MBT, based on their prior academic achievements, personal career goals, and interviews with faculty. Master’s candidates in our M.A./M.S. Biological Sciences have career goals in basic research while Master’s candidates in our MBT Program are seeking careers in the private sector. Program curriculum: Year one: Students participated in stem cell biology core classes (9 units) (intensive lab, stem cell biology lecture, and journal club). Advanced Molecular Biology lecture and lab, Developmental Biology, flow cytometry, bench to bed side course and other elective graduate classes such as immunology, virology, neurology customized to each of the students according to their previous education). Students attended Americans for Cures workshop and attended support group that provided them with a patient interaction experience. As part of the community outreach activity, students participated in disease-oriented walks and presented stem cells introduction talks in two communities of their choice (typically high schools, and community centers). Internship matching: during the second part of the year, students are matched with internship labs. Students attend tours at the various host institutions and interview with potential P.I.'s. Summer year one: students attended a one-week workshop on Human Embryonic Stem Cell techniques at the Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University. Year two: Students participate in a 12 month internship in a stem cell research lab at a collaborating host institution. The research activities are unique to each intern as developed in their professional development plan, and in line with the assigned internship host institution, focusing on basic research in human models. Culminating Experience: In fulfilling the curriculum described above, interns submitted a portfolio composed of a professional development plan, an internship research report, and an internship assessment report in the form of poster presentation. Their work will be additionally presented at the CIRM Bridges meeting in San Mateo on July 14-16, 2019. On satisfactory completion of all these tasks a culminating experience report will be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies at SJSU and the appropriate graduate degree will be conferred. In summary- CIRM Bridges program at SJSU prepare students for careers in stem cell biology. Graduating students typically work in stem cell private sector (50%), continue their scientific education in advanced graduate studies such as Ph.D and medical school (20%) or work in academic stem cells research labs (30%). This program increases awareness of our students on urgent clinical needs in stem cells therapies therefore providing well rounded and holistic scientists that also act as ambassadors and advocate for stem cells therapies in the communities.

The primary goal of the San José State University Consortium for Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is to continue to provide the State of California and the central coast region with well-educated scientists who are proficient in stem cell biology at the graduate level. The program is designed to equip students with a broad-based understanding of stem cell biology through classroom instruction and seminars, and in-depth, laboratory-based expertise in a specialty area unique to each student’s professional development plan through a year-long internship. Specifically, to CIRM 2 round of funding, we incorporated three new classes: 1) patient engagement and interaction, 2) Bench to Bed side- providing a sense of the process of translating a research study into a therapy 3) Community outreach and patient advocacy where students obtain an education on describing stem cells and their promises and inform the public on stem cell therapies. These experiences are built on the foundation of a strong stem cell biology curriculum and classroom laboratory experience at San José State University, coupled with an array of stem cell internship opportunities encompassing basic cell and molecular research at our research university partners (Stanford University and UC Santa Cruz), translational research involving stem cell product development at our corporate partners (Dorian Therapeutics, Notable labs, NeuCyte and Amgen). The SJSU SCILL program is a two-year program leading to an M.A./M.S. Biological Sciences or a Professional Science Master of Biotechnology (MBT) degree. Specifically, to this year of the report, an adaptation of the training curriculum and internship start day had to be made due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The San José State University Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is a consortium of scientists, faculty, and administrative leaders from Bay Area institutions who have made a commitment to training students at the graduate level for careers in stem cell biology. Graduates from this program will advance and accelerate stem cell therapies and increase community awareness about scientific and societal issues related to stem cells and regenerative medicine. The SJSU SCILL program is designed to be completed in two years. Typically, SJSU SCILL students will take graduate laboratory courses in stem cells biology, immunology, molecular biology, developmental biology as well as courses in regulatory affairs, therapy development processes, and clinical trial management. Students also engage in patient interaction activities and develop a community outreach plan to share their knowledge and their expertise in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine with their communities. Each SJSU SCILL trainee will complete 12 months of full-time hands-on research in human stem cells, progenitor cells, or gene therapy, at one of our partner research universities (Stanford University, University of California, Santa Cruz), or translational research partners, involving stem cell product development (Dorian therapeutics, Amgen Inc, Notable Labs, Soteria Biotherapeutics, Neurona, Tenaya Therapeutics and SRI. On the successful completion of the SJSU SCILL curriculum and internship, students are awarded a master’s degree and are prepared for a career in stem cell biology. The SJSU SCILL Program has a solid track record in training stem cell professionals at a graduate level, all from among California residents and representative of the diverse ethnicities of our state. More than 95% of our students have completed the two-year program. More than 90% are employed primarily in the state of California and about 50% of those are working in stem cell related fields in academia, in the biotech industry or have continued to higher advanced degrees. In the year under report, San José State University has gradually returned to in-person curricular activities for the first year of students training at SJSU. We also successfully enrolled the students in the program for research internships in the following internship hosting agencies: Stanford University, University of California, Santa Cruz, Dorian therapeutics, Notable Labs, Soteria Biotherapeutics, and Tenaya Therapeutics to provide students with rigorous practical laboratory experience that prepares them for careers in stem cell research and translational therapies. In the year under report, June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022, the CIRM Bridges program at San José State University has gradually returned to in-person activities. About 60% of the class curriculum associated with the first year was delivered “in person”. This is a huge improvement from the constraints and restrictions of the previous COVID-19 pandemic year where all classes and labs were delivered online/zoom. In the past year we advanced the performance of three cohorts: 2020, 2021, and enrolled the 2022 cohort: Cohort of 2020 - 2nd year of training (10 interns)- attended a hESC workshop in June 2021 and then started the internship for this cohort prior to the internship at Stanford University, University of California, Santa Cruz, Dorian therapeutics, Notable Labs, Soteria Biotherapeutics, and Tenaya Therapeutics. Nine students completed the internship and one student had to stop the internship at Stanford after about 6 months due to family constraints. All interns will present their research work at the upcoming CIRM trainee meeting in July, 2022 in San Diego. Many of these students have already aligned jobs in Biotech or applied to Ph.D programs. Cohort of 2021 (9 students) – 1st year of training – 60% of the classes where “in person”. Most importantly, this cohort obtained extensive stem cell lab training at SJSU as well as other lab classes such as immunology and molecular biology. Therefore, this cohort has received an expedited way out of the pandemic. Throughout the spring semester students were matched with internships that are currently starting at Stanford, UCSC, SRI, Dorian and Amgen. Cohort 2022 (11 students) - was enrolled in the SCILL program throughout spring 2022 with great attention to DEI aspects. Students were interviewed and accepted recently. Their first orientation will be on August 10, 2022. Other achievements during the year of report: Community outreach and patients interaction activities resumed to full capacity as well as industry perspective of stem cells work. We incorporated DEI activities in the student’s curriculum, and participation in professional stem cell meetings (although most were still on zoom). One student has been accepted to the Ph. D program at UCSC in the stem cell field, and five publications where co-authored by students in the SJSU program.

The San José State University Stem Cell Internships in Laboratory-based Learning (SJSU SCILL) is a consortium of scientists, faculty, and administrative leaders from Bay Area institutions who have made a commitment to training students at the graduate level for careers in stem cell biology. Graduates from this program will advance and accelerate stem cell therapies and increase community awareness about scientific and societal issues related to stem cells and regenerative medicine. San José State University has partnered with Stanford University, University of California, Santa Cruz, Dorian therapeutics, Amgen Inc, Notable Labs, Soteria Biotherapeutics, Neurona, and Tenaya Therapeutics to provide students with the academic and practical laboratory experience that will prepare them for careers in stem cell research and development of novel therapies. The SJSU SCILL program is designed to be completed in two years. Typically, SJSU SCILL students will take graduate laboratory courses in immunology, molecular biology, flow cytometry, and stem cell biology, as well as courses in regulatory affairs, therapy development processes, and clinical trial management. Students also engage in patient interaction activities and develop a community outreach plan to share their knowledge and their expertise in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine with their communities. Each SJSU SCILL trainee completes 12 months of full-time hands-on research in human stem cells, progenitor cells, or gene therapy, at one of our research universities or translational research partners, involving stem cell product development. On the successful completion of the SJSU SCILL curriculum and internship, students are awarded a master’s degree and are prepared for a career in stem cell biology. The SJSU SCILL Program has a solid track record in training stem cell professionals at a graduate level, all from among California residents and representative of the diverse ethnicities of our state. More than 95% of our students have completed the two-year program. More than 90% are employed primarily in the state of California and about 50% of those are working in stem cell-related fields in academia, in the biotech industry, or have continued to higher advanced degrees. The past year June 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, was highly impacted by the constraints and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we advanced the performance of three cohorts 2019, 2020, and 2021 in the program: Cohort 2019- was placed in internships throughout the summer of 2020. The hESC workshop was not available for this cohort prior to the internship. Still, interns will complete that on June 14-19, 2021. Students in this cohort were gradually enrolled in internship labs. Some students started earlier than others according to each of the labs’ restrictions and distancing capabilities. Many of the students joined a shift in their lab for in-person training and participated in online and zoom activities conducted in each lab. Students in this cohort were placed in labs at Stanford, Amgen, Notable Labs, and Dorian therapeutics. Their performance, although limited, was still a major contribution to the hosting labs. At least 40-50% of this cohort will continue to work and be hired in the internship labs after the completion of the internships, which reflects on their substantial contributions to the lab despite the pandemic constraints. Cohort 2020 – was trained at SJSU mainly online and virtually throughout Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 and matched with internship labs. The stem cell biology classes moved to online and were supplemented with enriching stem cell seminars and meetings that were offered online. Since in-person lab activity was not offered during the pandemic, many of the interns in this cohort started their internships on a voluntary basis during Spring 2021, prior to the official internship start date. The students in this cohort were placed at Stanford, UCSC, Soteria Biotherapeutics, Dorian, Notable Labs, Tenaya Therapeutics. They will attend the hESC on June 14-19, 2021, and officially start their internships in June or July 2021. Cohort 2021- was accepterd in the SCILL program in Spring 2021. Students were interviewed throughout spring 2021 and accepted recently. Their first orientation was on June 15, 2021. Although many of the regular activities were impacted by the pandemic, we feel that the past year provided our students with valuable exposure in an era of crisis that taught them a great deal of resilience, to observe but also be part of the scientific community that made enormous efforts to respond with therapeutics and to the epidemic as well as maintain important ongoing science projects.