Tissue Engineering Resource Center: TTD

SUMMARY For TERC renewal, the Technology Training and Dissemination Core has been designed to provide three related components: training, dissemination, and outreach. Training will provide investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary for effectively using TERC developed technologies, and to create a new cadre of biomedical researchers prepared to move the field forward. To this end, we will offer formal graduate-level courses (e.g., hands-on laboratory classes, stem cell bioengineering classes) for developing general tissue engineering skills. In parallel, we will offer specialized seminars, lectures, symposia and workshops tailored to the needs and interests of the trainees (e.g., specialized training in translational research, clinical research, entrepreneurship and commercialization). In addition, we will offer research programs for undergraduate, graduate and medical students, and residencies for guest investigators. A portfolio of training modalities will be posted on TERC website, with regular updates, and made available free of charge. The second component, Dissemination, will also include a range of modalities that will be managed through the TERC website. Our weekly lecture series Tissue Talks will be offered to worldwide audiences. Workshops and symposia organized by faculty and trainees will be offered to all registered participants to provide forums for discussing developments in the field. Science Simplified, a web-based initiative started and managed by TERC trainees, will feature recent advances in tissue engineering, in the form of clear and simple articles suitable for young audiences and non-specialists. The Career Conversations Podcast, also run by our trainees, will provide invaluable insights into the multiple career paths. The third component, Outreach, will provide an engaging learning program to underrepresented and underserved communities, including summer programs for middle school students, Girls Science Day and summer research for undergraduate students from black colleges. All training, dissemination and outreach activities will specifically acknowledge NIBIB grant support.