Achievement

Our IGERT program includes a three day summer retreat for trainees, mentors, the IGERT leadership team (PI and Co-Is) and two external, internationally known researchers. During the retreat, students meet as a group to discuss goals for the upcoming year, meet with mentors and the PI to monitor individual progress and present their research ideas and receive feedback from IGERT faculty, external scholars and other trainees. Presentations from 2nd year trainees provide important insights to entering trainees concerning research directions and expectations. The in-depth interaction during the retreat period allows for deeper understanding of research approaches outside the students’ own disciplinary areas, strengthens supportive relationships with other trainees as well as faculty, and establishes familiarity with outstanding researchers outside our university. These may be important for future career placements and postdoctoral opportunities.