Wednesday, April 2, 2025
4/2/2025
Chemistry-Biology Interface Predoctoral Training Grant 2024-2029 - Project Summary/Abstract The research and education of trainees in our Chemical Biology Interface (CBI) Program transcends molecular scales, from the atomistic to the cellular level. We provide training and exposure in techniques to probe, design, manipulate, or build molecules, biopolymers, biochemicals, macromolecules, and cellular systems, while maintaining a solid foundation in a specific area of dissertation research. The mission of the program is to provide mentorship and assistance in the students’ intellectual and career development for their entire time at the University of Delaware. Our T32 CBI program, spanning 7 departments and 45 faculty trainers, is committed to expanding the landscape of chemical biology research by providing multiple paths for trainee success. This starts with a holistic approach to admissions that permits more than one entry point into the program, offering plasticity that is important for diversity and inclusion. A flexible yet strong curriculum in CORE chemical biology concepts, delivered using a required Chemical Biology Didactic Course, seamlessly blends lecture, seminar, and laboratory experiences into 1 or 2 credit modular building blocks, with embedded required Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Rigor-Reproducibility training. Elective Boot Camps in Chemical Biology Techniques builds students’ confidence to perform their thesis research. Our curriculum is inclusive, open to all interested University of Delaware students curious about the chemical biology discipline. Dedicated, selfless faculty who are essential for the success of the program are supported through genuine mentorship training experiences such as “Mentoring Grand Rounds” and “Culturally Aware Mentor Training.” This mentoring community provides the foundation for faculty to shepherd students through their tailored individual development plans, assuring they utilize “out of laboratory” experiences such as: 1. Research Sabbaticals that serve to broaden students’ understanding of career options, through dedicated, planned time away from the home research lab and 2. Teaching Sabbaticals that expose students to modern pedagogy, such as Problem Based Learning (PBL). Our alumni help fuel these out of field experiences, assuring consistent mentorship. Our program holistically cares about the entire student as an individual and empowers them by providing unique elements, such as a “Mindful Return” reentry plans post life-event. Intentional programming has built an environment where differences are celebrated; the CBI Citizen is one who welcomes and encourages others regardless of race, culture, sexual background, and/or disability. This model of inclusivity has allowed us to grow our diversity to 42%, a number that we will strive to maintain as we admit 10 funded CBI Fellows for a funding period average of 2 years. The University firmly believes that the T32 CBI is critical for its training and research missions and has consistently committed multi-million dollar match funds to support our program over its 29-year history, which synergizes with IDeA State COBRE funding mechanisms to directly infuse excellence into our chemical biology program, training outcomes, and community.
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