PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall goals of the Chemical Biology Training Program (CBTP) at Stony Brook University (SBU) are (i) to
produce successful, independent, professional, rigorous, and ethical Ph.D. scientists trained at the interface of
chemistry and biology and (ii) to maintain a scientific research environment that is inclusive and supportive of
trainee development. Our mission is to train scientists prepared to enter the biomedical research-based
workforce and make major contributions to health and human welfare in the United States. The rationale for the
CBTP is that our faculty and program have the unique capability to advance biomedicine by providing training at
the chemistry-biology interface. Training objectives are to develop 6 core competencies: conceptual knowledge
of chemical biology, research skills, responsible conduct of research (RCR), communication skills,
professionalism, and leadership & management skills. Trainees are selected from 4 graduate programs:
Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, and Molecular & Cellular
Pharmacology. Trainees specialize in fields spanning chemical biology, as the 27 faculty in the CBTP have
research interests that include: infectious diseases, oncology, toxicology, immunology, developmental biology,
neurobiology, drug design, energy-harvesting, cell-signaling, organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry,
enzymology, pharmacology, and materials chemistry. Trainees learn principles and techniques of chemical
biology in a core 3-semester course sequence including rigorous, quantitative data collection, analysis, and
interpretation. The CBTP incorporates multiple professional development and networking opportunities and
requirements including: required monthly meetings for research presentations, discussions on rigor and
reproducibility, and RCR refresher training; career development workshops led by alumni; workshops to enhance
professionalism, leadership, and communication skills, many in collaboration with the Alan Alda Center for
Communicating Science (unique to SBU); required participation in annual symposia and poster sessions; and a
big/little graduate sibling mentorship program. Communication between trainees, faculty, and oversite
committees is facilitated, and students, faculty, and the program are assessed through required meetings and
rubrics. The assessments are used to ensure that students are guided to timely graduation with the required
skills and outcomes, such as first-author publications, a strong foundation in rigor and reproducibility, the ability
to think critically and independently, the ability to work in teams, and the ability to communicate effectively, both
with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds, as well as with the public. Recruitment and retention of
URM/D students is achieved through activities that include the Center for Inclusive Education (unique to SBU).
In the past 5 years, URM/D CBTP trainees have increased from 22% to 35% of the cohort. Twelve funded
positions are requested per year, to be matched by 3 institutional training slots. Fellows are supported during
their 2nd and 3rd year but participate in the program until graduation.