- How can I become a CBI student?
- What are the benefits of joining the CBI program?
- How hard is it? My home department already has so many requirements!
- I am already a CBI program member — Am I on track with my coursework?
- I am already a CBI program member — How do I become a trainee?
- I am already a CBI program member — How do I get a travel grant?‘
What if my question isn’t listed here? Please contact us!
How can I become a CBI student?
Easy! To join the CBI program, you must be a UMass graduate student, typically in one of our CBI-affiliated graduate programs (Chem, MCB, Chem Eng, PSE, or Micro). Then, all you need to do is complete and submit the application at any time.
What are the benefits of joining the CBI program?
The benefits of joining the CBI program are truly invaluable. The community you will be surrounded by provides an arena for the exchange of new and exciting ideas, and opportunities to network and establish contacts that can result in more rewarding careers. Student testimonials and our many alumni attest to the benefits of our CBI program.
During your time as a CBI student, you will be given the opportunity to participate in events such as the annual Ice Cream Social, CBI Retreat & CBI Mixer. You will be able to attend special program courses including Chalk Talk & CBI/BTP collaborative lab modules.
Students in the program are eligible to apply for travel grants twice per year and, in addition, CBI provides traineeships for ~10-12 program members each year. So, as you can see, there are truly no downsides to becoming a CBI community member.
How hard is it? My home department already has so many requirements!
We want you to be successful so we have intentionally developed the curriculum to fit within your home departments’ programs so you can successfully complete the CBI requirements without adding too much to your schedule.
Additional courses are required, which may seem overwhelming, but keep in mind most of the courses are generally informal gatherings with the CBI community that are designed to start a dialogue & share ideas across the chemistry-biology interface.
Curriculum Overview is a great resource that will indicate the additional courses you are required to take in order to receive a CBI certificate.
I am already a CBI program member–am I on track with the coursework?
You can refer to the curriculum guide to determine if you are on-point with the requirements. If you have already referred to this & still have questions, visit our contact us page & shoot our program manager an email, they’d be happy to help!
I am already a CBI program member–how do I become a funded trainee?
Trainee selection criteria include progress in the PhD program (grades & research productivity), & in the CBI Program (requirements satisfied, event participation). Past performance, such as undergraduate GPA, is also taken into account.
CBI students must be nominated by CBI Training Faculty in Spring of their first or second year of graduate study to be considered for traineeships that typically begin in September.
To apply:
I am already a CBI program member–how do I get a travel grant?
Applications for travel grants are considered periodically and can be submitted at any time.