Project Summary The Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology (qCMB) Training Program provides comprehensive and flexible training in quantitative approaches in order to facilitate transdisciplinary and collaborative research in the broad field of Cell & Molecular Biology. The Program produces outstanding graduates with the skills to meet the computational and professional demands of modern life science research. The objectives include to produce more graduates able to apply computational approaches to solve biological problems, provide an accessible curriculum for training in this area, encourage and support transdisciplinary collaborations, offer training and professional development opportunities to better prepare students for the workforce, and facilitate completion by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The qCMB program is designed to support students engaging in collaborative research projects requiring the generation and analysis of large biological datasets, particularly those generated through sequencing, imaging and flow cytometry. We introduce our early‐stage trainees to coding and its applications through a gateway course led by a supportive community of preceptors and more experienced trainees. As students build confidence, a plethora of elective computational courses support their individual research interests by expanding their quantitative skillsets. Symposia, workshops and group meetings will enhance and support collaboration between program members and between the qCMB program and other campus communities. Preceptors will hone their mentoring skills and learn strategies to ensure mentees engage in reproducible research through qCMB resources and trainings. qCMB graduates are prepared to enter the workforce by engaging in career management and leadership training and through opportunities such as internships and guided mentor training. Throughout their PhD studies, qCMB trainees experience an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment within a community that values their contributions, celebrates their successes and guides them through the challenges of graduate school. The effectiveness of training will be demonstrated through evaluations and by following the career trajectories of our graduates. Diverse trainees (6 per year) are selected through a holistic process from among the pool of applicants to the CMB program and supported as teaching assistants for the first semester while rotating through preceptor labs. Each will transition to fellowship after one semester and will continue with rotations until joining a preceptor lab in Apr/May of the first year. After two years on the award, trainees will transition to the preceptor's research grant or other fellowship for stipend support. The award will support a total of 40 trainees who will transition to positions in academia, or industry that require data analysis, collaboration and research experience.

Project Narrative The goal of our training program is to create a new generation of biologists with the skills to generate and analyze as well as interpret the complex data produced by modern approaches such as next generation sequencing, live cell imaging and flow cytometry. Our trainees will apply their training in Quantitative Cell & Molecular Biology to study problems related to cancer, infectious disease, microbiomes and development. At the same time, they will receive career guidance and develop transferrable skills to prepare them for leadership roles after graduation.