The experimental toolkit available to contemporary scientists is extraordinary, permitting rapid experimentation with previously unknown precision and innovation. In essence, however, the principles that underlie scientific inquiry remain unchanged. Our new PhD training program in Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Sciences seeks to blend these foundational principles with state- of- the- art research and the opportunity to develop a breadth of skills and explore a diversity of career options. We will select 5 trainees from the cohort of students who enter our PhD program through a common portal, and will support them during their 1st and 2nd years (in total, 10 trainees/year). Our 38 training faculty, representing multiple departments and disciplines, are part of a cohesive scientific community that offers a strong mentoring environment. Central to our new training program is the commitment to educate a diverse population of students to conduct science in a rigorous, reproducible, creative and ethical manner. Our curriculum will emphasize the ability to think critically, to build and test models and hypotheses, and to understand the essential principles of experimental design. Biomedical science is an empirical discipline, and our students must understand the strengths and limitations of contemporary and classical methodologies. The ability to critically analyze data is essential, as is competency with quantitative methods and statistical analysis. We want to ensure that our trainees can work effectively in diverse groups and are skilled at communicating with a variety of audiences. In addition to coursework and a deep immersion in a research laboratory, our trainees will participate in two (out of four) enrichment tracks focused on Communication, Community Engagement and Advocacy, Education, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In the Communication track, students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in written, verbal and multi- media presentations for expert, non- expert and lay audiences. In the Community Engagement and Advocacy track, trainees will work with 4th grade students in a nearby science and math magnet school to foster their enthusiasm for, and appreciation of, science. Science advocacy in regional and national contexts will also be featured. Trainees participating in the Education track will be educated in “teaching techniques”, will participate in teaching externships at local universities and give guest lectures at regional HBCUs. Trainees in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship track will earn a certificate by taking an online course and participating in local and regional pitch competitions, and will participate in brief externships in local biotechnology companies and the MUSC Foundation for Research Development.

As they pursue their dissertation research, our students will participate in a variety of career development activities that introduce them to a breadth of future opportunities within and beyond academe. They will be truly prepared to make important contributions within the changing landscape of contemporary biomedical science.