Advancing Diversity and Equity in Pre-doctoral Trainees (ADEPT) is a mentored professional development program that supports PhD students enrolled part-time in a graduate program that supports clinical and translational science. ADEPT provides a supportive environment and training in mentorship, scientific writing, grantsmanship, and networking. ADEPT trainees will also have opportunities to connect with institutional leaders in the health sciences.
What are the benefits of participating in ADEPT?
Non-traditional graduate students bring a wealth of lived experiences that inform authentic and action-driven research to improve human health. I’m thrilled that we can support their career goals while also enriching our broader clinical and translational research community with their insights.
Michelle Chui, PharmD, PhD, ADEPT Faculty Director
ADEPT Components
Scholarship
ADEPT trainees will receive an $18,000 scholarship, with $6,000 awarded per semester (fall, spring, and summer). The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, other academic or research expenses, or travel to attend conferences and present research.

Mentoring
ADEPT trainees will include their mentor or primary advisor in the ADEPT Program. Trainees and their mentor(s) meet with ADEPT Faculty Director, Dr. Michelle Chui, once per semester (fall, spring, and summer). These meetings provide an opportunity to review the trainee’s academic progress and provide resources to support them during their PhD program.
ADEPT trainees are invited to participate in ICTR-sponsored Mentoring Up training. ADEPT mentors are invited to complete mentor training if they have not previously participated in a formalized mentor training program.
Networking Opportunities
ADEPT students have opportunities to interact with AHEAD and STRIDE Scholars through CCHE events. ADEPT students are also connected with other groups and resources on campus to support their academic career.
Want to learn more about the ADEPT Program?
Email Amy Filut at filut@wisc.edu with your questions or to find a time to chat and learn more.
Interested in applying?
We have filled all spots for the 2023-2024 academic year.
We invite you to submit an application here to be added to our waitlist and considered for the 2024-2025 academic year.
History
To support scholars whose lived experiences inform their career pathway, CCHE established three mentored professional development programs to provide support and resources to scholars as they navigate critical career junctures through training and mentorship. To support part-time PhD students at UW-Madison, CCHE created ADEPT, a mentored professional development program for students whose scholarship falls within the translational research spectrum.
Funding for ADEPT was provided by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health from the Wisconsin Partnership Program (Grant ID #5132) through a grant to the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. The UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research also receives funding from NIH-NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) 1UL1TR002373.