The Quantitative Biological Systems Training (QBIST) Program

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. The widespread adoption of genome-scale methods in biomedical research has resulted in biology now being a big data discipline that requires training in modern machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Formal instruction in both biology and AI is critical for PhD trainees pursuing careers in a broad range of academic and non-academic fields. The mission of the Quantitative Biological Systems Training (QBIST) program is to empower biomedical researchers to choose confidently amongst a range of careers through active training and experiential learning in robust and transferable quantitative and leadership skills. The second award period of the QBIST program will focus on 3 primary objectives. Objective 1: Consolidate training opportunities to develop and apply advanced computational and data science skills to complex biomedical research questions. We will modify the QBIST curriculum to respond to the evolving demands of quantitative training to ensure training in cutting edge methods. Objective 2: Enhance the value of mechanisms for exploring biomedical career paths outside the traditional academic trajectory. QBIST trainees will continue to explore post-graduate career options through participation in an internship program with non-academic organizations. In addition, we will provide opportunities to participate in established entrepreneurial and multi-dimensional team-building programs at NYU to expand training options. We will also increase the value of these experiences by providing opportunities for self-reflection. Objective 3. Provide trainees with opportunities to develop leadership skills through mentoring experience. To enable trainees to gain critical leadership and mentoring skills trainees will assume mentorship roles in the NYU Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Importantly, we will modify the existing QBIST curriculum so as to not increase trainee workload to ensure we meet our overall objective of decreasing time to graduation while maintaining a high PhD graduation rate. The second award period of the QBIST program will include 17 faculty members at all career stages with a demonstrated track record of mentoring and commitment to the goals of the QBIST program. To accommodate the expanded aims of the QBIST program we will select 4 students per year who will be appointed for two years during the second and third years of their PhD training. Students will be selected by the QBIST program executive committee on the basis of a written application detailing training goals and long-term career objectives that demonstrate alignment with the QBIST program. To assess the continued effectiveness of the QBIST program, we will use annual surveys completed each year by all trainees and quantify trainee research and career outcomes. All data and analyses will be made publicly available on the QBIST web portal. Achieving the QBIST program objectives will serve to enhance the entire NYU Department of Biology PhD program and provide insights and resources that will inform PhD training in biomedical institutions throughout the USA.