# Cellular Biotechnology Training Program (CBTP)

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2021 · $487,629

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The Cellular Biotechnology Training Program (CBTP) at the University of Michigan seeks to
prepare graduate students for scientific careers that will transform human health through
biotechnological innovation. For over 25 years, CBTP has immersed students from diverse
scientific disciplines in interdisciplinary training related to biotechnology in order to prepare the
next generation of leaders for a variety of careers options, with an emphasis on opportunities
outside of traditional academia. CBTP trainees belong to one of 9 graduate Ph.D. programs
from four colleges at the university, including: Biological Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering,
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Medicinal Chemistry,
Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and
Pharmaceutical Sciences. The training faculty are accomplished scientists and innovators who
are dedicated to graduate education and mentorship. The unique programmatic activities of
CBTP provide students with insights into experimental paradigms of diverse disciplines related
to biotechnology, as well as exposure to concepts and practical aspects of entrepreneurship
and commercialization. These activities include: (1) A biotechnology core course to provide
background information on the field and require students to work in multi-disciplinary groups to
generate biotechnological product ideas; (2) A required course in Research Responsibility and
Ethics (PIBS503); (3) Monthly student dinner meetings to provide informal opportunities for
presentation and discussion of student research projects; (4) Research internships in the
biotechnology industry; (5) An Annual Symposium with an external keynote speaker and posters
presented by students, faculty and affiliated biotechnology companies; (6) Mentoring lunches
and networking opportunities with scientists and business leaders in local biotech companies;
(7) A shadow program at the University of Michigan Technology Transfer Office and an
affiliation with the CoE Center for Entrepreneurship to provide practical experience for our
students in technology development into commercial products; and (8) Trainee evaluation and
mentoring, and the use of individual development (IDPs) plans to promote career advancement.
These innovative activities are a mechanism for student interaction and networking with peers,
faculty and industry professionals and a centerpiece of CBTP. The strength of CBTP has been
recognized by the University through significant financial support and by its designation as a
certificate-granting program. Overall, CBTP reinforces the excellent academic education
provided by departmental faculty by emphasizing interdisciplinary science and providing the
tools to translate basic scientific knowledge into commercialized biotechnologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10188549
- **Project number:** 5T32GM008353-30
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Anna Schwendeman
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $487,629
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1991-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10188549

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10188549, Cellular Biotechnology Training Program (CBTP) (5T32GM008353-30). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10188549. Licensed CC0.

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