# University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering

> **NIH NIH T32** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $520,362

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The current proposal seeks to continue support of the long-standing biotechnology training program
administered by the Center for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering (CBTE) at Duke University. The
objective of this biotechnology training program is to provide predoctoral training in the classroom,
laboratory, and scientific community in the design, manipulation, and quantitative characterization of
biomolecules, cells and tissues with special emphasis on the translation of these technologies and their
advancement within the biotechnology industry. Training activities are focused on enhancing and diversifying
our biotechnology work force and preparing the next generation of leaders who will pioneer burgeoning new
fields such as biologic drug development, tissue engineering, and gene and cell therapy. Participating
predoctoral trainees are required to meet the following criteria: (1) perform research that is
interdisciplinary in nature and is central to the development of innovative biotechnology; (2) have at least
two CBTE faculty, one from biomedical sciences and one from engineering, on their doctoral dissertation
committee; (3) present in the monthly work-in-progress student seminar series; (4) complete engineering
and biomedical science courses that provide breadth in biomolecular and tissue engineering; (5) complete
four semesters of the interdisciplinary CBTE seminar series for credit, including dedicated meetings with
visiting speakers; (6) participate in a three-month industrial biotechnology internship; (7) present in the
annual CBTE Distinguished Lecture and Symposium; (8) attend regularly scheduled biotechnology-
focused career development seminars and workshops; and (9) undergo training in responsible conduct
and rigor and reproducibility in research. This interdisciplinary training program includes 37 faculty across
campus, with 22 faculty from the Pratt School of Engineering and 15 faculty from non-engineering fields,
including 5 in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, and 10 in the Basic Medical Science and Clinical
Departments of the Duke University Medical Center. Over the past 26 years, a total of 116 students have
received predoctoral traineeships in biomolecular and tissue engineering. The majority of our trainees
have obtained positions as leaders in the biotech industry, including as co-founders of new companies
and pioneers in new areas of biotechnology, while others have pursued careers in academic, medicine, or
government. A hallmark of our program has been the increased diversity of trainee cohort over time.
Collectively, these activities decidedly increase the value of the education and preparation of our trainees
for careers in the biotechnology industry and other fields, as demonstrated by our extensive track record
and quantitative outcome measures.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10496221
- **Project number:** 1T32GM144291-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles A. Gersbach
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $520,362
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10496221

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10496221, University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering (1T32GM144291-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10496221. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*