PREP Seminar will require ~2 hours per week (Weekly Badger PREP Seminar Modules and Workshops)
For more curriculum details, email katelyn.paz@wisc.edu
Module Descriptions
- Groundwork
- Foundations
- Funding Research
- Applications
- Interview Skills
- Research Posters
- Scientific Writing
- Seminar Talk
- Career Exploration
- Special Topics
Module Title: Groundwork
Format: CANVAS/Asynchronous format
Time requirement: ~10 hours on own schedule
When to Complete: Before or just after joining the program/Lab
Description: This module ensures scholars are well-prepared for the program and their research experience. Objectives include familiarizing participants with university resources and online modules on Building Your Research Community by Science Communication Lab. Scholars will complete a mentor/mentee agreement and develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Once completed, scholars will meet with the leadership team to review program goals and their IDP.
Products:
- Mentor/Mentee Agreement
- Individual Development Plan
Module Title: Foundations
Format: In person
Time requirement: 7 weeks
Description: This module establishes a framework for the cohort for how they will work together throughout the program. It builds fundamental skills essential for research and academic success, including emphasizing the importance of goal setting and time management. Scholars will learn about responsible conduct in research, specifically concerning lab notebook practices and the principles of rigor and reproducibility. They will practice analyzing scientific literature using the C.R.E.A.T.E.S. method and review how to structure and present a journal club. Additionally, storytelling principles for effectively communicating science will be introduced as scholars create an elevator pitch, a chalk talk, and an abstract.
Products:
- Elevator Pitch
- Chalk Talk
- Abstract
Module Title: Funding Research – NSF GRFP
Format: In person
Time requirement: 4-5 weeks
Description: This module equips scholars with the foundational skills for writing competitive grant proposals, specifically focused on writing for National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The objectives include understanding how to interpret a grant solicitation and becoming familiar with the structure of specific aims. Participants will practice writing specific aims for a grant proposal, receive feedback on their submissions, and develop a compelling research proposal. To complete the application package, students will also update their CVs and write a personal statement for the GRFP application.
Products:
- CV/Resume
- NSF GRFP Application
| Module Title: Graduate School – Applications
Format: In person Time requirement: 6 weeks Description: This module guides scholars through the comprehensive process of graduate school applications. Scholars will understand what it means to be a graduate student, identify the key components of a graduate application, and develop criteria for selecting the graduate programs they will apply to. Participants will focus on writing engaging personal and research statements and receiving feedback on these crucial application documents. Products:
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| Module Title: Graduate School – Interview Skills
Format: In person Time requirement: 3 weeks Description: This module prepares scholars for successful graduate school interviews. Objectives include learning effective strategies for approaching graduate school interviews. Scholars will engage in mock interview practice sessions to refine their communication and interview skills. |
Module Title: Using Storytelling Principles Research Posters (Science Communication Skills)
Format: In person
Time requirement: 4 weeks
Description: This module develops skills for effectively showcasing scientific research through posters using storytelling principles. Objectives include understanding the essential content for a scientific poster and mastering principles of effective poster design. Scholars will receive feedback on their designs and engage in practice sessions to refine their poster presentation skills. Finally, scholars will have the opportunity to present their poster to graduate students and faculty at the SciMed/PREP annual research poster session
Products:
- Research Poster
Module Title: Using Storytelling Principles for Scientific Writing (Science Communication Skills)
Format: In person
Time requirement: 6 weeks
Description: This module focuses on using storytelling techniques for science writing and applying them to the process of preparing and writing scientific manuscripts for publication. The module’s objective is to guide scholars through the comprehensive stages of manuscript development. It aims to teach effective strategies for structuring and drafting scientific papers, and understanding the review process for manuscripts.
Products:
- Draft of Manuscript
Module Title: Using Storytelling Principles for Seminar Talk (Science Communication Skills)
Format: Online/In person
Time requirement: 4 weeks
Description: This module focuses on developing strong oral presentation skills for scientific seminars. Objectives include learning how to utilize storytelling for creating a presentation outline, craft impactful slide titles, and effectively communicate to diverse audiences. Participants will gain expertise in designing clear and engaging presentation slides and receive constructive feedback on their seminar talks. Scholars will present their talks at the annual PREP symposium and celebration.
Products:
- Seminar Talk
Module Title: Career Exploration
Format: In person
Description: This module focuses on valuable professional training that a PhD provides and explores careers that a biomedical PhD opens up beyond academia.
Additional Events:
- Career Panel
- Tour of local companies (Ex/ Exact Sciences, Promega, LabCorp, etc)
Special Topics: Communication, Teamwork, Professional Skills & Leadership Building
Time requirement: Individual seminars at various times throughout the programming
Description: Throughout the program, we will cover various topics that are essential for scholar development. Topics include: giving and receiving constructive feedback, fostering research self-efficacy, enhancing academic belonging, addressing implicit bias, and navigating mentor conflict
PREP experiences were developed to enable individualized pathways for each PREP Scholar. Each scholar will have access to the following resources through a variety of activities:
