Penn Trainee Advocacy Alliance Program
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Program Description
The Trainee Advocacy Alliance Program (TAA) is a collaborative group of Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) graduate students, the Biomedical Postdoctoral Program (BPP) postdocs, and Penn faculty members dedicated to cultivating a high-caliber research community by establishing robust support mechanisms for trainees navigating challenges and adversity in their academic and professional journeys. With the full support and access to resources within Research Trainee Affairs, TAA will provide trainee support for members of the Penn Medicine research training community, especially those who have faced barriers to research and educational success.
All TAA members undergo specialized training in restorative justice, effective mentorship, and mental health intervention, equipping them with the skills to foster a supportive research environment where all trainees are valued, empowered, and advocated for throughout their biomedical careers.
Program Eligibility
TAA serves as a dedicated resource for trainees overcoming challenges and navigating adversity within the biomedical research community.
Trainee Eligibility
We seek engaged, scientifically-trained individuals from all Penn schools, particularly those with:
- Graduate Students
- PostBacs
- PostDocs
- Medical Students
- Master’s Students
- Research Technicians
- Undergraduate Student Interns
- High School Student Interns
- Any other individuals working under an advisor
Program Services
TAA provides the following services to its members:
- Providing a supportive environment to discuss experiences
- Confidential counseling and guidance
- Role playing conversations
- Email reviews
- Navigation and referral to official Penn resources
- Mediation services
- Direct intervention
- Assistance in filing an official complaint – incident reporting