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NYSTEM supported Cornell Training Program in Stem Cell Research

Program Director: Alexander Nikitin
Co-Program Director: John Schimenti

The program aims to provide comprehensive predoctoral and postdoctoral training in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The training program is conducted under the supervision of the university-wide Cornell Stem Cell Program. Training is provided to 3 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral trainees and involves 21 carefully selected stem cell research faculty mentors. The faculty mentors work in a broad variety of stem cell research areas ranging from molecular and developmental biology to functional and computational genomics to bioengineering and preclinical animal models. Selection of trainees is based upon academic and research promise, with a preference for those conducting multidisciplinary research. Trainees take courses focused on stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and participate in ongoing activities of the Cornell Stem Cell Program including: Work-in-Progress Reports, the Stem Cell Seminar Series, the annual Stem Cell Symposium, journal clubs and retreats tailored to this program. Furthermore, trainees have the opportunity to train at both the NYSTEM-supported Stem Cell Modeling and Phenotyping Core and the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting Core Facility. This proposed program occurs in the context of Cornell’s New Life Sciences Initiative, and in close interaction with the Cornell Center for Vertebrate Genomics. By virtue of a faculty known for its exceptional dedication to training of students and young researchers, targeted institutional support for the Cornell Stem Cell Program, a culture of cross-disciplinary research, and a wide array of shared research resources and services, Cornell provides an outstanding environment for trainees. This program enhances Cornell's ability to attract and retain the most promising and talented students and fellows in stem cell research, thereby providing the basis for expanding the pool of outstanding stem cell researchers in New York State.