Achievement

Based on the self-reported skills surveys, trainees see the eight I-STAR activities as positively impacting their research, leadership and collaboration skills. Both Cohorts identified interdisciplinary research teams as having the greatest impact to their skills, but differ in what activity was next in importance. Cohort 1 identified international travel while Cohort 2 pointed to the IGERT seminars as making impacts on skills. Cohort 1 Trainee self-report skills showed an increase in competence in writing, critically reviewing manuscripts for publication, and the ability to lead groups as results of participation in IGERT. Both Cohorts rate being more inclined to seek out other disciplines for collaboration as a result of IGERT activities. Comparing pre and post participation for Cohort 2 shows increases in ability to identify relevant research literature and databases along with feeling more respected by others as benefits from IGERT participation.