Training Program in Molecular Biophysics of Complex Systems - This proposal to develop a new PhD Training Program in Molecular Biophysics of Complex Systems (MBCS) at Oregon State University (OSU) connects mentors from six primary departments spanning three colleges at OSU. Disciplines represented in the MBCS center around biological complex systems are broadly grouped under three themes: 1) Data modeling and mining using computational methods, 2) Measuring and mapping using a broad range of biophysical techniques, and 3) Making and modifying using and developing innovative technology for better measurement and application tools. The MBCS mission with its focus on how biological complex systems work at the molecular level, using a wide range of experimental (in vitro and in vivo) and computational (in silico) techniques, will prepare Trainees for careers in molecular biomedical research at the interface of biophysics and cell biology; there is broad demand in academia, industry, or national labs. Our objective is to provide MBCS Program Trainees with a comprehensive and rigorous understanding of the fundamental underpinnings of transdisciplinary research in scientific disciplines. Such training will result in innovative scientific advances that benefit society. This Program will lower the barriers separating departments and colleges and facilitate integration of the diffuse biophysics-related research and educational programs under one umbrella, incorporating and coordinating the strength of each program. The 21 faculty Mentors provide extensive resources for research, student support, and a highly collaborative training environment. Students will be selected from a deep qualified pool of applicants using holistic admissions criteria, including dedication to science, research background, and perseverance, in addition to quantitative metrics. New programs such as a Summer Head Start for recruiting underrepresented minority, disabled or disadvantaged students will be supported as part of an active institutional diversity program. We request five slots per year (steady state of ten students) to be supported for the second and third year of graduate research. An additional slot per year will be funded by the institution. New course development is included along with innovative tailoring of existing courses ranging from cellular biophysics, molecular spectroscopy to mathematical modeling. Annual Summer workshops include theory and hands on application of methodologies from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to genetic code expansion to workshops on new, cutting-edge techniques. Our intended outcomes are trained scientists, productive in their research during and as measured by first-author publications, presentations at meetings, fellowships funding and career outcomes which will be surveyed in our annual evaluations. Co-Program Director, Dr. Elisar Barbar and Dr. Chong Fang are strong proponents of collaborative science, diversity, mentoring/Mentor training, and innovative education; they have a successful history of funding and directing core facilities for the common good (NMR for Barbar and Ultrafast Spectroscopy for Fang). Both have a history of mentoring women and underrepresented groups in research. The faculty roster is highly collaborative and will model team science.
