Increase Diversity, Equity, and Advancement in Cell Based Manufacturing Sciences (IDEA-CBMS)

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Grant Award Details

Grant Type:

COMPASS Training Grant

Grant Number:

EDUC5-13619

Investigator(s):

Name:

Dr. Michael Fino

Institution:

MiraCosta College

Type:

Award Value:

$2,878,000

Status:

Active

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:

Year 1

Located in North San Diego County, MiraCosta College provides both 2-year and 4-year degree programs in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. The college provides academic and workforce training, serving a diverse student population. The MiraCosta College COMPASS program supported 11 undergraduate trainees in its first year. The students were enrolled in the upper division bachelor’s program courses, with an emphasis on biomanufacturing, advanced cell therapies, business, quality operations, as well as bioethics. During the first year of our program, CIRM COMPASS trainees took core courses to continue a strong foundation in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Implemented during the summer and fall 2023 semesters, CIRM COMPASS trainees had joined a regenerative medicine focused laboratories in partnership with our affiliated sector employers. All CIRM trainees conducted research and workforce training on regenerative medicine projects. This effective training has led to key project milestones, as well as project acceptance for the 2023 Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research. Mentoring and professional development are an integral part of the CIRM COMPAASS program. CIRM students attended regular professional development events with sector trade organizations, participated in industry specific trainings and certifications, as well as regular meetings with CIRM staff and faculty to discuss important next steps for advanced academic training, as well as career placement. CIRM COMPASS trainees gained further insight into the importance of regenerative medicine by interacting with guest speakers and advisory board members including members of various patient advocate groups. Trainees also volunteered for community outreach events, including high school student interactions during campus visit days. The CIRM COMPASS grant team met regularly with the students and site mentors to provide continuity of programming, ensuring students thrived during their internships. The CIRM COMPASS program is providing key contributions to the development of a talented and diverse pool of trained professionals, that represent the depth and diversity of California, and advance CIRM’s mission to develop cell therapies that meet our state and national medical needs.

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Increase Diversity, Equity, and Advancement in Cell Based Manufacturing Sciences (IDEA-CBMS)

Statement of Benefit to California:

The scientific initiatives for advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine towards new therapeutics to treat human disease are being led by the state of California. These therapies are critical to society and the initiatives are driving future innovations in Biomedical sciences. As we move forward, there’s an unequivocal need for a robust talent development pipeline to train our future professionals that represent California’s diverse population in regenerative medicine. We designed our program to answer this call to action and provide opportunities for our diverse college students to receive focused training and education, accelerating their efforts into the advanced skilled technical workforce. Our program also encompasses the skills and training needed as a regenerative medicine research professional, that is mindful and comprehends the importance of translational medicine and how their scientific efforts will result in patient therapies. These efforts also include community outreach and patient advocacy to disseminate the importance and benefits of these research initiatives. Our community college population represents the diversity of California and further ensures equitable recruitment. Our focused laboratory partners in academia and industry are committed to delivering innovative and comprehensive internship experiences for our undergraduates through part-time, year-round, or summer intensive, full time work-based learning in regenerative medicine. Our student scholars will work on multiple applications in regenerative medicine and cell therapies to treat complex human diseases such as multiple cancers, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, as well as various autoimmune and neurological diseases. The program is designed for students to concurrently work in scientific laboratories while finishing their undergraduate credentials in Biomanufacturing with no schedule disruption. Our students participate in a focused mentor fellowship and work in collaboration with global patient advocacy partners on multiple events to support donor drives and other gift of life activities. These programs and initiatives all contribute to our students moving forward in California’s workforce and completing their 4-year Bachelor’s degree education. Our program will train and support at least 25 individuals that represent the diverse population of California and will continue to represent the evolving population of our scientific workforce. Our strategic initiatives for this program are aligned with California’s workforce initiatives, supplying a skilled technical workforce to combat the significant labor market gaps in our Life Science sector workforce. Our students have broad and diverse perspectives and understand the importance of regenerative medicine, the community impact of new cell therapeutics, and how their knowledge and efforts will advance regenerative medicine in California.