Career Pathway Partnerships: Training the Future Leaders of the Wisconsin Biomedical Workforce

This project will build on lasting partnerships between UW–Madison and Wisconsin biotech employers to create sustainable pathways that retain top scientific talent in the state and prepare the next generation of biomedical innovators and health care leaders -Laura Knoll, PhD

At a Glance

The project, Career Pathway Partnerships: Training the Future Leaders of the Wisconsin Biomedical Workforce, led by Laura Knoll, PhD, will build the capacity and leadership of Wisconsin’s biomedical and health care workforce by preparing SMPH doctoral students to lead the state’s expanding biotechnology and life sciences sectors.

This innovative biomedical workforce development proposal in partnership with the master of science in biotechnology program and the Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub provides additional experiences and robust training to PhD students each year to prepare them to join Wisconsin’s biomedical research workforce. By integrating career exploration and industry engagement into doctoral training, the program will equip students with the skills, experience and networks needed to transition confidently into the workforce.

The Challenge

Many graduate training programs focus primarily on programming and mentoring that prepare graduate students for academic careers. With the development of the Interdisciplinary Biology and Health Sciences Consortium (IBHSC) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, there is a unique opportunity to develop evidence-based innovative career and professional development that prepares graduate students for Wisconsin’s biomedical research workforce.

Project Goals

The Career Development and Pathway Partnerships (CDPP) is an integral part of the IBHSC programming for graduate students, and will:

Aim 1: Foster SMPH graduate student exploration of biomedical industry career opportunities local to Wisconsin.

Aim 2: Coordinate and sponsor graduate student internships in biomedical industry labs, creating clear career pathways for graduating SMPH PhDs.

CDPP will also partner with Wisconsin biotech companies to provide internships and fellowships for IBHSC graduate students interested in those careers.