Professional Development

The CBI Training Grant provides many opportunities for professional development during the three years that students receive funding under the grant. CBI graduates tend to be highly in demand in the professional market due to their unique experience utilizing the computational methods of chemistry to investigate and solve biological problems. All students are assisted by their faculty mentor to find an internship placement during their time as trainees, and are invited to numerous retreats, symposia, and other outreach opportunities. 

Internship:

Trainees spend 2-3 months interning at another university laboratory or company. Past internship placements include Merck, Gilead, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Amgen. Many CBI trainees go on to work full-time at the companies where they intern during their studies, or draw on the professional network that is built during these internships to further their careers if they choose to work in the private sector. 

Retreats, Symposia, Colloquia, & CBI Day:

Our Trainees have the opportunity to attend many different retreats and colloquia throughout the year such as the Molecular Biology Institute retreat, the Sigman Symposium, Chemistry-Interface Day, and invited CBI guest lecturers. These events provide opportunities for trainees to display their accomplishments, give presentations, interact with faculty and industrial researchers, take part in important professional events, and to learn about how to obtain a fulfilling future in their area of expertise.

Outreach:

Outreach activities raise awareness, help recruit students to STEM, provide a sense of belonging for trainees, and increase cohesiveness between all trainees. CBI trainees are active in outreach activities to K-12 students, undergraduates, and the Los Angeles community.