RI-INBRE has received a $1.2 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. This three-year Community Projects grant will allow RI-INBRE to continue the Workforce Development & Training (WDT) Pilot Program funded for 2 years through the RI Department of Labor.

The overarching goals of the RI-INBRE WDT project are to leverage its well-maintained core facility and the extensive academic network involving all ten Rhode Island universities and colleges to conduct a ‘certificate granting’ workforce training program. We will offer a series of twelve 2.5-day intensive skillset training modules on learning the principles and operation of critical bioanalytical and biomedical equipment. Participants who complete these skillset modules will be well-prepared to compete for high-paying biomedical and biotechnology jobs. Given the state’s small size and extensive academic networking, RI-INBRE is well-poised to operate effective and successful workforce development training that is available to students across the state.

Expert faculty and staff design and conduct intensive 2.5-day training modules for small groups of trainees, allowing instructors to provide individual attention for each participant. All modules are offered free of charge and provide instruction on the theory and practice of operating molecular and cellular analysis equipment, as well as training in scientific methods and data analysis. Participants who complete a training module earn a RI-INBRE-branded WDT certificate.

Click on the tiles below to learn more about the modules offered during last year’s WDT Summer 2024 session (May 22, 2024 – July 26, 2024). 

Application of Biochromatography

Introduction to modern biochromatography techniques.

The Application of Chromatography in the Biopharmaceutical Industry

Basic Lab Skills

Basic skills used in biomedical research laboratories.

Fundamental Laboratory Research Skills

Biological Data Science

Basic methods of biological data science.

Introduction to Biological Data Science

Cell and Tissue Culture

Designed to teach participants the concepts of cell and tissue culture using bacterial and mammalian cells.

Cell and Tissue Culture Foundations

Detecting and Separating Small Molecules

Introductory overview of contemporary techniques for separating and analyzing small molecules.

Modern Approaches for Detecting and Separating Small Molecules

DNA Manipulation

Designed to immerse participants in the practical aspects of synthetic biology.

Introduction to DNA Manipulation

Drug Delivery

Training in synthesis and evaluation of drug delivery systems.

Principles of Drug Delivery Formulations

Effective Scientific Communication

Training in critical communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making skills.

Effective Scientific Communication and Collaboration

Enzyme-Drug Assays

An analytical procedure used to detect, quantify and study the binding or activity of an enzyme.

Drug Interactions by CYP450 Enzymes

Fluorescence Microscopy

Training in the use of fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy and image analysis

Principles and Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy

Nanosensors

Overview and hands-on experience in the theory, creation, and characterization of nanomaterial-based sensors, i.e. nanosensors

Nanoparticle Function, Synthesis, and Characterization

Patient Simulation

Disease state modeling and the programming of drug effects in simulated patients.

Patient Simulation and Drug Effects

3D Science Visualization

Visualizing molecules using 3D printing and virtual reality.

3D Science Visualization

Worm Model Neurobiology

The study of basic functions and interactions of C. elegans

Introduction to C. elegans Model System