Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program

for 5T32GM142605-05 Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is a unique, interdisciplinary Ph.D. training program that allows students to explore the full landscape of biomedical research at Duke University before committing to a specific area of research focus. The required first-semester curriculum follows a modular format that promotes exploration; the required spring curriculum focuses on experimental design and modern cell and molecular techniques. Students must complete three research rotations during the first year, which become the basis for choosing a mentor for thesis research. In the second year, a grant-writing course is required in the fall and a written thesis proposal must be orally presented and defended by the end of the spring semester. Additional in-depth training is obtained through elective courses and thesis research. Students receive extensive instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research and in Rigor and Reproducibility, which is integrated throughout graduate training, and lab-safety training is required yearly. Student progress and milestones are tracked and assessed using an app-based tracking tool developed at Duke. To enrich the training experience and promote teamwork, first-year students are mentored by second-year students, students organize annual recruitment activities, and students collaboratively plan a yearly Symposium that brings experts to campus and celebrates research accomplishments of CMB students. The CMB program is led by a Director and a Director of Graduate Studies who embody the breadth of scientific expertise within the program, are at different career stages and have complementary strengths. Additional program oversight is provided by an Executive Committee that broadly represents the constituent faculty. There are 110 CMB training faculty, each of whom is required to take mentor training before students can affiliate with the corresponding lab. CMB receives 200-300 student applications yearly; GRE scores are not required, and applicants are reviewed using a standardized, holistic rubric. There are currently 98 graduate students at Duke who matriculated through CMB, 70 of whom are training-grant eligible. This group size creates a strong social and intellectual network that enhances scientific exchange and encourages the use of multidisciplinary approaches. Sixteen training slots are requested to maintain this robust program size, with selected students to be supported by the grant in years two and three. The average time-to-degree for CMB students is 6.0 years and extensive professional development resources are available that emphasize the exposure to and preparation for a wide range of scientific careers. The overarching goal of the CMB program is to provide all students with a safe and rigorous training experience that provides the technical, operational and professional skills needed to become independent and valuable members of the biomedical workforce.