Program Overview

The CBB program brings together 30+ program faculty at different career stages and from diverse gender and ethnic backgrounds from fifteen departments at the University of Delaware, and affiliates from Delaware State University. The trainees are co-mentored by faculty with vibrant research and complementary expertise in thematic research areas, employing mathematical, computational, and data science approaches for multi-scale systems-level understanding of biological networks, from molecular sequence and structure to cellular function, physiology, and interaction with environments.

Six trainees are recruited annually from eligible second year PhD students for one-year T32 funding support, coupling with a recruitment strategy using university funds to support bringing the strongest predoctoral candidates to campus with a focus on underrepresented groups, thereby providing transformative training for a total of 30 trainees during the 5-year period.

The CBB Scientific Curriculum encompasses scientific training for technical competency and professional training to develop leadership and teamwork. Trainees complete four core courses  from the Bioinformatics Data Science Core while completing an individualized program of study and individual development plan.  A CBB Development Curriculum covers responsible conduct, reproducibility, ethics, and diversity, and includes a team-based experiential learning experience emphasizing teamwork, communication, and innovation. Year 2 culminates in a 10-week summer internship designed in collaboration with external academia, industry, government partners. All trainees, faculty mentors, and our partners form the CBB community and engage in weekly seminars, workshops, annual symposia, hackathons, and other team-building events.

An organizational structure with executive, program, and advisory teams enhances oversight. Collectively, the CBB T32 forms a collaborative team science infrastructure for transformative workforce development.

Expectations and Responsibilities

The CBB program, trainees, and mentors work together in various roles to ensure a productive, safe, and respectful environment.  Expectations and responsibilities of all parties include but are not limited to:

Program

  • Building a diverse and inclusive CBB Community providing a broad network of traineeship and support
  • Supporting each trainee holistically through individualizing program requirements and support mechanisms to meet their needs and goals
  • Offering scientific curricula that teach cutting edge theory and hands-on skills that will position trainees for success in their future endeavors
  • Developing enrichment events and development curricula that provide opportunities to enhance leadership, communications, and teamwork skills
  • Working with our faculty to provide strong and supportive mentorship
  • Maintaining a safe learning environment free of discrimination & harassment

Trainees

  • Participate in program meetings, seminars, advisement, & enrichment activities
  • Meet or exceed the timeline for all program milestones, paperwork, and other requirements
  • Strive for Excellence in all your scholastic and research endeavors
  • Demonstrate Leadership through volunteering for optional events/activities and assuming leadership roles (BiSA, GSG Senate)
  • Develop Individualized Development Plan and Program of Study with mentor and participate in semi-annual reviews
  • Report your accomplishments to the program each year (publications, presentations, conference participation, external courses/workshops, etc)
  • Acknowledge the Program Grant in all publications, posters, presentations, press releases and other outcomes of your graduate work (NIH T32GM142603)

Mentors

  • Be an active and positive mentor
  • Participate in mentorship training opportunities
  • Attend CBB program meetings
  • Support student participation in program events
  • Lead a session in the Scientific Reproducibility & Responsible Conduct
  • Participate in student advisement and Individualized Development Plan
  • Present a seminar during your student’s tenure
  • Provide continuous research funding to support your trainee and ensure RA funding for the remaining Ph.D. program