CIRM COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science) training program prepares a diverse cadre of undergraduate students for careers in regenerative medicine through combining hands-on research opportunities with strategic and structured mentorship experiences. SFSU, one of 16 COMPAS awardees, aims to establish the Inclusive Pathways for Stem Cell Scholars (IPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program and recruit biology undergraduate students who may go unrecognized, and who are open to and interested in alternative career pathways in regenerative medicine besides graduate or medical school. The program grants two-year scholarships to 25 undergraduate scholars over the course of the five-year funding period (2022-2027) and provide resources and supports to build the foundation for implementing innovative and inclusive diversity training address current and diverse workforce needs in emerging stem cell, gene editing and regenerative medicine fields.
SFSU COMPASS program was awarded in November 2022. In January 2023, two students were appointed to the 2023 CIRM COMPASS-IPSCS cohort (Year 1 scholarship: 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023). In June, 2023, three students recommended by the Student Enrichment Opportunities office (SEO) were appointed to the Year 1 cohort (Year 1 scholarship: 6/1/2023 to 5/31/2024). These five COMPSS trainees, from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, have been immersed in vigorous academic training through inclusive, active-learning STEM curricula, hands-on research training, structured mentorship experiences, and outreach engagement activities. The SFSU COMPASS program is developing inclusive curricula and interdisciplinary career pathways, guided by principles of academic excellence and a deep appreciation for diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, for preparing a broadly inclusive, well-trained life science workforce in regenerative medicine.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Inclusive Pathways for a Stem Cell Scholar (iPSCS) Undergraduate Training Program
Statement of Benefit to California:
The program will benefit the State of California by developing a comprehensive program focused on stem cell and regenerative medicine training to prepare a broadly inclusive, well-trained science and engineering workforce. It focuses on developing interdisciplinary and diverse career paths through instruction in principles of molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, data science, and supplemental training in entrepreneurship and leadership while addressing the ethics of scientific and professional conduct. The program is expected to increase the number and diversity of well-educated scholars who will excel in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and allied fields thereby mentoring the next generation of leaders with the knowledge to master future challenges in translational work in regenerative biomedical science and medicine.
