Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency. The program offers exciting new research, educational, and training opportunities to biotechnology students at Pasadena City College (PCC).

If you are selected to participate in the CIRM Bridges Internship Program, you will have an opportunity to participate in a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. In addition, you will also be eligible for additional coursework and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology offered by the host research institutions.

Benefits of the Program:

  • prepares you for research and career opportunities in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
  • provides you with a theoretical and practical education in the rapidly growing field of stem cell research by offering new educational, research, and training opportunities
  • at the end of the internship program, you will be capable of obtaining placement in world-class research institutions and laboratories

Research Internships:

CIRM-Bridges Interns participate full-time in stem cell related research projects in one of three internship-host laboratories that provide a research intensive environment: USC, Caltech, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

As an intern you will be compensated with a stipend and appropriate academic credit. You must be enrolled as a student at PCC during the internship - tuition and educational fees will be paid.

Coursework:

Additional available coursework will include: advanced stem cell manipulation techniques course taught in collaboration with Caltech applications of fluorescence microscopy and journal club presentations. Interns will also be eligible for coursework and training activities related to stem cell biology offered by the host institutions. In addition, all interns participate in a stem cell training course that will focus on “Current Protocols in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.”

Educational Enhancement Activities:

Various educational enhancement activities that prepare students for internships and enhance the internship experience will be available. Activities include seminars and symposiums (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, bioethics, stem cell career opportunities) and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, graduate school applications). Interns are required to attend research presentations and a stem cell biology seminar series. Interns will present their own research findings at a research symposium at the conclusion of the internship.

Application Process:

Upon completion of the PCC Biotechnology Program and required courses, you may apply for a CIRM-funded research internship. Interested students must attend an orientation meeting and submit an initial application, transcripts, resumé, and a letter of recommendation. Applicants are expected to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Biological Technology (or equivalent) and a Stem Cell Culture Certificate from the Biological Technology Program at PCC.

Contact

Pamela Eversole-Cire, Ph.D.
Program Director, Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College
pleversole-cire@pasadena.edu