The training mission of the Molecular Biophysics Training Program (MBTP) is to produce young scientists who are equipped with the quantitative skills and physical insights required to make impactful contributions in the biological and biomedical sciences. Biophysics is increasingly making critical contributions to our understanding of biological systems especially as we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of such systems. Our trainees will develop the ability to think broadly about their field of research, to identify important and tractable questions, to plan experiments with care, to choose appropriate methodologies, to analyze data and results in a rigorous and quantitative manner, and to draw conclusions based on sound logic. While these abilities are generally required for all meaningful science, they are particularly critical for successful biophysicists. Our trainees will also be prepared to enter the dynamic and evolving professional fields ranging from academia, biotechnology, education, and entrepreneurship to publishing and outreach. They will be aware of the position and the role that science plays in society and will be ready to embrace responsibility and to practice equality and inclusiveness in their chosen professional fields.
MBTP will bring together biophysics trainees from two WCGS graduate bi-institutional programs: the Biochemistry & Structural Biology (BSB) program, part of the umbrella Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) program and the Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology (PBSB) program. Union of the biophysics trainees in these two programs is a natural fit given that biophysics is inherently multidisciplinary – bringing together biology, chemistry, physics, computational biology, and mathematics. MBTP will provide:
- Outstanding learning and mentoring for predoctoral trainees in molecular biophysics
- World-class research opportunities
- A diverse and interactive community of students and faculty to foster scientific exchange and collaboration
- Strong foundation in performing rigorous and reproducible scientific research
- Knowledge of and exposure to various career paths for successful transition into the biomedical research workforce