Training Grants

Chemistry and Biology Predoctoral Training

T32GM144290

Program Directors: Yamuna Krishnan and Joseph A. Piccirilli

Administrator: Giovanni Tolentino Ramos
Phone: 4-6719

Openings: 6 Predoctoral, 0 Postdoctoral

The Predoctoral Training Program in Chemistry and Biology, supported through a grant of the National Institutes of Health (T32 GM144290) trains students to work at the interface of chemistry and biology and to apply rigorous approaches with quantitative literacy to solve problems in biomedical science, equipping them with the scientific, communication, professional, and career navigating skills to make significant contributions to society in academic or research-related careers. Students are admitted to the program from both the Division of Physical Sciences and the Division of Biological Sciences. Students fulfill simultaneously the requirements of the CBI program and the requirements of the program of graduate study leading to the Ph. D. degree in which they are enrolled. The program benefits from outstanding faculty and students and introduction of new courses in interdisciplinary science. This goal is achieved through (1) satisfactory completion of a core course in Chemical Biology and a breadth course in the department of the other scientific discipline; (2) cross-disciplinary thesis research; (3) participation in a series of monthly meetings throughout the academic year designated as "Integrative Discussions at the Interface of Chemistry & Biology" to gain acquaintance with theoretical concepts and methods; (4) participation in two quarterly meetings focused on advanced chemical tools in biology (ACT-Bio) and biological problems that require chemical solutions (BPRCS); (5) participation in two in two annual half-day events: a CBI Mini-symposium and an “in-house” poster retreat; and (6) workshops to promote quantitative literacy and rigor and reproducibility.

Participation in a division-wide career development program helps students explore and prepare for different career paths. The broad scope of the interdisciplinary research interests of the faculty strengthened through collaborative research and teaching ensures a wide variety of opportunities for meaningful cross-training.