To provide the multi-disciplinary training fundamental to the CBI mission, the CBI mentors and trainees organize a series of activities:

Annual CBI Symposium and Poster Show

This annual cross-departmental event is held at the beginning of the Fall semester for the entire CBI community. The symposium emphasizes student-driven research and provides cross-college networking opportunities. Students present their current projects (talks, posters, three-minute thesis competition), learn about research and training opportunities, and network with potential collaborators and co-mentors. The event serves as an orientation for new students and as a venue for existing students to practice communication with diverse audiences and expand their networks.

CBI Seminars and Workshops

These biweekly cross-departmental events include a variety of presentations (e.g., student research updates) and rotating topics such as career panel discussions, literature reviews & case studies (rigor & reproducibility), external speakers (student invited), and workshops (e.g., imposter syndrome, stereotype threat, conflict resolution, career-related case studies, lab startup & management) throughout the year. These seminars/roundtable discussions provide students with opportunities to present and communicate with an interdisciplinary audience, network, and experience a variety of student/faculty perspectives.

Our first fall workshop provides students with an opportunity to discuss and learn about technical and professional skills needed for various careers, with an emphasis on tools used by chemical biologists. The workshop empowers students to actively consider career options and identify skill sets necessary for entry into desired careers where they can utilize their CBI training. Student goals are articulated in the Individual Development Plan (IDP), which provides a framework for discussions about careers with their mentors.

Research Teams

CBI students and faculty participate in collaborations, which give students opportunities to learn skill sets from experts outside their core discipline, practice interdisciplinary communication (data organization & analysis, leadership), make network connections, find a common language between disciplines, and establish scientific and professional identities.

With financial support from the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), colleges, departments, and mentors, CBI trainees have the opportunity to carry out research in an external collaborator's laboratory (3-10 weeks) to broaden their multi-disciplinary training. Students are required to write a short proposal (1-3 pages), which is reviewed by Steering Committee members to ensure meaningful experiences. Research opportunities in areas outside of the expertise of the research advisor's lab enhance the CBI trainee's graduate experience and exposes them to advanced techniques and instrumentation.

Community Outreach

Outreach and public engagement give CBI students the opportunity to communicate the value of their research to the diverse audiences (including non-academics). This includes "Three-Minute Thesis" competitions, story telling, engagement with local high schools, or communications for the general public (blog, article, video, etc.). The ability of CBI students to articulate the importance of chemical biology to broad audiences is important for deepening our society's awareness, undertstanding, and acceptance of new scientific concepts.