# University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering

> **NIH NIH T32** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $408,594

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The current proposal seeks renewal of the biotechnology training program in Biomolecular and Tissue
Engineering (BTE) at Duke University. The objective of the biotechnology training program in BTE is to provide
enhanced classroom, laboratory, and research predoctoral training in the design, manipulation, and
quantitative characterization of biomolecules, cells and tissues. The BTE training program involves 38 faculty,
including 21 engineering faculty and 17 faculty from chemistry and biomedical sciences. To date, a total of 93
students have been supported by interdisciplinary predoctoral traineeships in BTE. The BTE training
experience is enriched by (1) performing research that is interdisciplinary in nature and is central to the
development of medical biotechnology, (2) including at least two BTE faculty on their doctoral dissertation
committee to specifically provide mentorship in the area of medical biotechnology, (3) enrolling in a laboratory-
based engineering course in modern biotechnology, engineering electives that provide breadth in BTE, and
two advanced courses in the basic biomedical sciences relevant to BTE, (4) participating in four semesters of
the interdisciplinary bioengineering seminar series and related journal club for credit, (5) participating in a
special seminar series on career choices in the biotechnology industry, (6) engaging in a three-month industrial
biotechnology internship, (7) presenting in the annual BTE poster session, and (8) undergoing training in
responsible conduct in research. The value of this enriched training program has been demonstrated through
student productivity and diverse career outcomes in the biotechnology industry. Moreover, the impact of the
training grant has exceeded far beyond the individual trainees through student enrollment in our BTE
Certificate Program and the leveraging of institutional resources for training activities for the broader Duke
community. Our training program has also increased diversity and the participation of underrepresented
groups. In our renewal, we have improved the program and its relevance to the modern biotechnology industry
by adding faculty in molecular engineering and biomedical sciences, particularly faculty with a history of
translational research. We have also added programmatic activities to enhance student interactions with
visiting faculty and outreach opportunities. In this proposal we request the extension of our program to continue
to integrate engineering, science, and medicine at Duke and create a unique training environment for our
students.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200824
- **Project number:** 5T32GM008555-28
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles A. Gersbach
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $408,594
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1994-07-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200824

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200824, University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering (5T32GM008555-28). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200824. Licensed CC0.

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