Strengthening the Pipeline of Masters-level Scientific and Laboratory Personnel in Stem Cell Research

The applicant institution will partner with a CIRM Shared Research Laboratory to create a comprehensive curricular program that will produce 30 masters degree graduates with the scientific foundation, research experience, practical laboratory skills and motivation to pursue careers in stem cell research. Graduates of the masters program will develop knowledge and skills suitable for basic research as well as its translation into clinical applications for patients. Graduates will help fill the future demand for laboratory managers and other research-support professionals in a growing number of laboratories devoted to stem cell research. Rather than a traditional, independent master’s thesis project, students engage in activities specifically intended to improve the professional preparation of graduates desiring industry or laboratory careers in applied biosciences. The masters program builds upon curricular strengths in cellular and molecular biology at the applicant institution and the outstanding research facilities of the CIRM Shared Research Laboratory. The twenty-month program of study consists of graduate courses taken at the applicant institution and an internship at the CIRM Shared Research Facility. During the seven-month internship, student interns will work with mentors as part of disease teams that bring students and research scientists together with clinicians to work toward cellular therapy trials. In addition, Students will receive advanced training during a five-day Stem Cells Techniques Training Course at a CIRM Shared Research. Education enhancement activities will include a six-week lecture course entitled Introduction to Cellular Therapy, a short course in Good Manufacturing Practice and a seminar series with invited speakers from renowned laboratories. Proximity of the Home and Internship Host Institutions will facilitate program coordination, and ensure that students have ready access to mentors from both institutions. The applicant institution has considerable potential to attract students from underserved populations. The applicant institution will advertise its masters degree program to students attending four-year institutions of higher education throughout California With a combination of research and professional skills graduates will fill roles vital to progress of stem cell research. Graduates experienced in team-based research and GMP will have high potential for career advancement, transitioning easily beyond entry-level positions or into doctoral programs. The intense, twenty-month program moves students quickly into the workforce. Professionally oriented masters programs, with their limited durations, practical training and potential for advancement have proven especially appealing to women and minority students. This masters program will help widen participation in stem cell research.