RESTEP in AZ: Regenerative Engineering, Science, and Technology Education Program in Arizona

PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT Healthcare spending will account for 20% of the US GDP in 2028 (>$6 trillion), and the healthcare sector now employs 11% of the US workforce. Regenerative medicine and biomaterials will play an important role in revolutionizing therapeutic intervention strategies to address chronic and genetic health conditions. This challenge will require research and engineering scholars with diverse expertise, knowledge, and perspectives to come together to identify unique solutions. However, with very few formal graduate research training mechanisms in place, the US is falling behind in the development of young scientists who are pursuing postgraduate degrees and employment in these important research areas in the regenerative medicine industry. Moreover, the few opportunities that exist for graduate researchers only provide exposure to a single dimension of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine and have limited industry-focused training and entrepreneurship opportunities. To bridge this gap, the Regenerative Engineering, Science, and Technology Education Program (RESTEP) in Arizona will: (i) enable trainees to build advanced experimental laboratory research skills in regenerative medicine-focused areas while simultaneously facilitating trainees in developing quantitative and critical skills for hypothesis formulation and testing, experimental design, and statistical data analysis and interpretation, (ii) motivate students to develop cross-disciplinary skills, such as oral and written scientific communication as well as responsible innovation and conduct in research, and (iii) provide trainees with opportunities to engage and participate in multiple aspects of the stem cell biology and regenerative medicine industry that span laboratory to market. RESTEP will recruit and support cohorts of 7 predoctoral students each year who will be paired with faculty mentors. Over a two year period, trainees will receive individual instruction in their thesis laboratory, learn from core technical training bootcamp short courses, and take equipment-specific training workshops to improve their technical skills. Additionally, they will receive guidance regarding scientific communications, responsible innovation, and responsible conduct in research. Finally, trainees will complete entrepreneurial training, work on relationship-building with biotechnology industry partners, and experience a formal internship. Through this training program, we seek to develop a new generation of scientists and engineers who will drive the advancement of regenerative engineering and its application to improve human health.