Predoctoral Training Program in Genetics - Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. This is a new application to support the Predoctoral Training Program in Genetics (GEN-TG) at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), University of Pennsylvania. The primary goal of the GEN-TG is to recruit, train and mentor outstanding individuals who will become future leaders in genetic research as well as effective educators and mentors. To accomplish this goal, we have established a flexible, evidence-based training plan that integrates technical and professional skills in preparation for research intensive careers in academia, industry and government. The program brings together a select group of 53 faculty from 17 departments or schools with demonstrated expertise and commitment to the training and mentoring of students. The combination of a research-oriented medical school and a strong university base provides an outstanding environment for graduate education. The Genetics and Epigenetics (GE) graduate program was established in 1995 and is the major training entity in the discipline of Genetics at PSOM. GE is one of six subgroups of the multidisciplinary Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, that administers the broad core curriculum for our predoctoral trainees, including advanced coursework in Genetics. Each student's individualized curriculum emphasizes the integration of research training, responsible conduct of research, scientific rigor and reproducibility, and mentorship. After coursework is completed, the student must pass an oral preliminary exam that consists of a defense of a written NRSA-style thesis research proposal. The student then carries out a significant genetics research project under the direction of a laboratory mentor and the advice of a thesis committee, with additional oversight and mentoring from GEN-TG faculty. Students are appointed to the GEN-TG for two years of support after they have completed coursework, selected a thesis lab and passed their Preliminary exam. The GEN-TG provides added value to the graduate program through the following training activities: honing presentation skills at the weekly Genetics Research in Progress talks; guidance in the preparation of individual fellowship applications; establishing best practices in peer review at mock-study sections; building a strong cohort identity at the annual Penn Genetics retreat; networking with Distinguished Seminar speakers; supporting travel to attend scientific conferences; exploring career options in Philadelphia Biotech; and hands on training in near-peer mentorship. GEN-TG trainees have outstanding publication records, retention rates and career outcomes. Our objectives over the next five years include: 1) foster the next generation of geneticists by preparing our trainees to traverse their chosen career path successfully; 2) assist trainees to explore career options within and beyond academia; 3) manage upward pressure on total training time; 4) improve mentorship skills for faculty and trainees.
