Bridge to the Doctorate at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Quantitative approaches, including data-driven artificial intelligence, can significantly help improve human health by providing innovative diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic interventions. The proposed training program will enhance doctoral-level professional development in the quantitative biomedical sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Our program focuses on bioinformatics, computational biology, genomic biology and biophysics. To achieve our goal, we will accomplish the following objectives: (a) provide PhD students with a rigorous scientific environment to strengthen their background in the relevant computational, mathematical and biological sciences; (b) ensure the trainees’ timely Ph.D. attainment within 5 years; (c) train students in scientific rigor, reproducibility, and the responsible conduct of research; (d) devise effective career development plans that will help the trainees succeed as independent scientists; (e) provide research training specifically at the interface of mathematical, computational and biomedical sciences. As outcomes of our training, we expect that our seamless infrastructure will significantly enhance professional development in the quantitative biomedical sciences and train doctoral students who will contribute to the mission of improving human health.