University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering

The current proposal seeks to continue support of the long-standing biotechnology training program administered by the Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering (CBTE) at Duke University. The objective of this biotechnology training program is to provide predoctoral training in the classroom, laboratory, and scientific community in the design, manipulation, and quantitative characterization of biomolecules, cells and tissues with special emphasis on the translation of these technologies and their advancement within the biotechnology industry. Training activities are focused on enhancing and elevating our biotechnology work force and preparing the next generation of leaders who will pioneer burgeoning new fields such as biologic drug development, tissue engineering, and gene and cell therapy. Participating predoctoral trainees are required to meet the following criteria: (1) perform research that is interdisciplinary in nature and is central to the development of innovative biotechnology; (2) have at least two CBTE faculty, one from biomedical sciences and one from engineering, on their doctoral dissertation committee; (3) present in the monthly work-in-progress student seminar series; (4) complete engineering and biomedical science courses that provide breadth in biomolecular and tissue engineering; (5) complete four semesters of the interdisciplinary CBTE seminar series for credit, including dedicated meetings with visiting speakers; (6) participate in a three-month industrial biotechnology internship; (7) present in the annual CBTE Distinguished Lecture and Symposium; (8) attend regularly scheduled biotechnology-focused career development seminars and workshops; and (9) undergo training in responsible conduct and rigor and reproducibility in research. This interdisciplinary training program includes 37 faculty across campus, with 22 faculty from the Pratt School of Engineering and 15 faculty from non-engineering fields, including 5 in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, and 10 in the Basic Medical Science and Clinical Departments of the Duke University Medical Center. Over the past 26 years, a total of 116 students have received predoctoral traineeships in biomolecular and tissue engineering. Most of our trainees have obtained positions as leaders in the biotech industry, including as co-founders of new companies and pioneers in new areas of biotechnology, while others have pursued careers in academic, medicine, or government. Collectively, these activities decidedly increase the value of the education and preparation of our trainees for careers as leaders in the biotechnology industry and other fields, as demonstrated by our extensive track record and quantitative outcome measures.