The programs are designed to provide participants with hands-on research experience. However, they will also provide additional training and opportunities for participants to achieve readiness in three main areas: readiness for research, readiness for academics, and readiness for self-presentation.
Readiness for Research
Goals
- Develop laboratory skills
- Learn experimental design
- Learn to interpret results
Mechanisms
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Independent research project under the guidance of senior laboratory members
- Workshops on lab skills, safety, etc
- Performance evaluations and regular discussions with program directors
Readiness for Academics
Goals
- Learn how to apply knowledge
- Develop critical thinking
- Develop a deeper understanding of developmental biology and regenerative medicine
Mechanisms
- Attend classes and seminars, with the option to audit graduate classes
- Read and interpret primary literature with feedback from mentors
Readiness for Self-Presentation
Goals
- Develop speaking and writing skills
- Increase self-confidence in one’s self and one’s identity as a scientist
Mechanisms
- Opportunities to practice oral and written communication skills
- Workshops on scientific writing, graduate applications, and interviewing
- Formal and informal interactions with faculty members, graduate students, and scientific staff
This framework was inspired by Remich R, Naffziger-Hirsch ME, Gazley JL, McGee R. Scientific Growth and Identity Development during a Postbaccalaureate Program: Results from a Multisite Qualitative Study. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2016 fall;15(3):ar25. doi: 10.1187/cbe.16-01-0035. PMID: 27496357; PMCID: PMC5008872.