NIH T32 Training Program in Biotechnological & Integrative Opportunities in Microbiome Sciences
The Biotechnological & Integrative Opportunities in Microbiome Sciences (BIOMS) training program is an NIH-funded T32 predoctoral program designed to develop the next generation of leaders in microbiome biotechnology. Hosted by the One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, BIOMS provides cross disciplinary training at the interface of microbial life, biotechnology innovation, computational analysis, and translational applications across human, agricultural, and environmental systems.
BIOMS Fellows receive rigorous, cohort-based training that integrates deep scientific foundations, hands-on biotechnology experience, industry engagement, and professional development, all anchored within Penn State’s first in the world Dual Title PhD in Microbiome Sciences.
Program Mission
The mission of BIOMS is to empower a diverse cohort of microbiome science PhD trainees with the expertise, biotechnology skillsets, and professional preparation needed to advance microbiome solutions across academia, industry, government, and beyond.
BIOMS Fellows graduate equipped not only with advanced research skills, but also with the ability to translate microbiome science into impactful biotechnological tools, products, and applications.
Why BIOMS?
A first of its kind training environment
BIOMS is the only NIH T32 program centered on microbiome sciences as its primary scientific theme and the only doctoral training program globally that integrates a Dual Title PhD in Microbiome Sciences with biotechnology focused, industry embedded experiential learning.
A rapidly expanding field
Microbiome sciences underpin major advances in medicine, agriculture, ecology, energy, and biomanufacturing. The global microbial biotechnology market is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for a trained workforce capable of responsibly engineering, analyzing, and applying microbial systems.
A unique training ecosystem
Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center includes 125 faculty across 42 departments, making it one of the largest microbiome focused communities in the world. BIOMS is powered by this interdisciplinary network and supported by state-of-the-art biotechnology core facilities and industry partnerships.
Program Administration
BIOMS is co-led by:
- Seth Bordenstein, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Microbiome Sciences; Director of the One Health Microbiome Center; Professor of Biology and Entomology
- Jasna Kovac, Lester Earl and Veronica Casida Career Development Professor of Food Safety; Associate Professor
- Grace Deitzler, One Health Microbiome Center Research Project Manager
Oversight is provided by an Internal Advisory Committee and an External Advisory Committee composed of leaders in microbiome science, industry, and graduate education.
The Biotechnological & Integrative Opportunities in Microbiome Sciences (BIOMS) Training Program is an NIH-funded predoctoral training program organized through the One Health Microbiome Center and dedicated to training graduate students in the microbiome sciences and its biotechnological underpinnings. BIOMS is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to advance microbiome biotechnology, research, and education through a One Health lens. BIOMS will cultivate an understanding of fundamental concepts in microbiome sciences through requirements spanning coursework, monthly workshops, weekly seminars, and professional development experiences including a biotech internship, mentorship from industry scientists, and workshops focused on science communication.