{"id":76039,"date":"2020-10-27T11:25:59","date_gmt":"2020-10-27T15:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=76039"},"modified":"2025-09-03T11:05:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T15:05:49","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-life\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

B<\/strong>roadening E<\/strong>xperience in S<\/strong>cientific\u00a0T<\/strong>raining was an NIH funded program open to all Boston University biomedical doctoral students and postdocs, on both the Charles River and Medical campuses. The main goal of the program was to expose trainees to a variety of career paths they might not have even considered. By identifying the needs of the biomedical workforce, providing workshops on professional development, connecting trainees with field-specific mentors, and helping them match with an engaging and satisfying career.<\/p>\n

To access current GMS professional development and career coaching services<\/strong>, please visit the GMS Professional Development website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To access upcoming GMS professional development events<\/strong>, please visit the GMS Professional Development calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you have any suggestions for professional development events or have any questions, please contact GMS Director of Professional Development B\u00e9n\u00e9dicte Gnangnon (B\u00e9n\u00e9), PhD, at bgnan@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About BEST<\/h4>
<\/p>\n

BU\u2019s BEST began in 2014, view the summary of BU\u2019s BEST at: The BEST Five Years<\/a><\/p>\n

As one of only 17 Broadening Experience in Scientific Training (BEST)<\/span> schools chosen by the National Institutes of Health, Boston University is enhancing biomedical career development curricula for Ph.D. and postdoctoral trainees in a way that explores careers both inside and outside standard academic research.<\/p>\n

At Boston University, our curriculum is informed by market needs. We work closely with industry partners to align our course of study with actual industry demands, ensuring you\u2019re trained for both jobs that are open now and future careers that might not even exist today.<\/p>\n

To view the prior BEST webpage, please click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Prior BEST team<\/h4>
<\/p>\n

BU\u2019s BEST Staff<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\"Deborah Fournier, Ph.D., M.S.
\nAssistant Provost of BUMC Institutional Research & Evaluation
\nfournier@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

Dr. Fournier performs the evaluation and assessment for BU\u2019s BEST. She works to help innovate and improve programming for BU\u2019s BEST.<\/p>\n

Dr. Fournier received her Master\u2019s and doctoral degree from Syracuse University.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Jean L. Spencer, Ph.D.
\nInstructor of Biochemistry
\nspencerj@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

Dr. Spencer performs the data analysis for BU\u2019s BEST. She generates the trends in biomedical workforce needs using software from Burning Glass Technologies, and she tracks the career outcomes for GMS graduates.<\/p>\n

Dr. Spencer received her bachelor\u2019s degree in chemical engineering from Pennsylvania State University and her doctoral degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University. Before joining the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University, she worked in industrial research for 4 years at General Motors Research Laboratories and for 16 years at The Gillette Company.<\/p>\n

BU\u2019s BEST PIs<\/span><\/h3>\n

BU\u2019s BEST employs a multi-PI leadership team with each PI bringing unique talents and perspectives to the table.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Linda E. Hyman, Ph.D.
\nAssociate Provost, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences
\nProfessor of Microbiology
\nlhyman@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

Dr. Hyman is responsible for the administrative elements of the program including managing the budget, serving as the point of contact for the NIH, supervising support personnel, and representing the program to stakeholders outside of BU\u2019s BEST program. Dr. Hyman earned her undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Albany, followed by a master\u2019s and doctoral degree at Brandeis University. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Tufts University School of Medicine. She began her professional career at Tulane University School of Medicine, where she became a tenured associate professor in 2003. Dr. Hyman assumed the position of Associate Provost for the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences in 2009.<\/p>\n

\"BMS_150\"<\/a>Barbara M. Schreiber, Ph.D.
\nAssociate Professor of Biochemistry
\nDirector of Graduate Studies
\nschreibe@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

Dr. Schreiber serves as the contact for all curricular activities, coordinates all efforts on the development of software with Burning Glass Technologies, and aides in managing and coordinating all workshops and seminars. A longtime member of the Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Schreiber is well positioned to serve as the face of the alumni mentoring network.\u00a0Dr. Schreiber earned her bachelor\u2019s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY followed by her doctorate at Boston University in the department of Microbiology.<\/p>\n

BU\u2019s BEST Past Directors<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"linked<\/h6>\n
Amanda Bolgioni-Smith, Ph.D.
\n2018-2020
\nDirector, Professional and Career Development, Graduate Medical Sciences
\nAssistant Professor, Medical Sciences & Education
\nabolgion@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

<\/h4>\n

<\/h4>\n

\"\"Chelsea Barbercheck, Ph.D.
\n2015-2017
\nProgram Director, BU\u2019s BEST
\ncrepler@bu.edu<\/a><\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

BU\u2019s BEST Steering Committee<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Steering Committee guides operational and strategic decision-making for BU\u2019s BEST. The steering committee provides administrative oversight and integrates all resources needed to make BU\u2019s BEST impactful, transferable, and sustainable for Boston University biomedical trainees.<\/p>\n