INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT SUMMARY
Well-planned Progress Reports can be of great value by providing records of
accomplishments. They also force the student to think critically about their project
and further develop the writing skills necessary for grantmanship. Furthermore,
progress reports provide information to the student’s Thesis Committee that is
essential in the assessment of changes in the scope or research objectives from
those actually approved by the committee.
The Progress Report should be a brief presentation of the accomplishments on the
research project during the prior year. The Progress Report should not exceed two
pages. The report should follow the outline and numbering system shown below.
1. Specific Aims
State the aims as actually stated in the Preliminary proposal. If the aims have not
been modified, state this. If they have been modified, give the revised aims and the
reason for the modification.
2. Studies and Results
Describe the studies directed toward each specific aim during the past year and the
results obtained. Include negative results. If technical problems were encountered
in carrying out this project, describe how your approach was modified.
3. Significance
Emphasize the significance of the findings to the scientific field and their potential
impact on health.
4. Plans
Summarize plans to address the specific aims during the next year. Include any
important modifications to the original plans.
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1. Specific Aims
2. Studies and Results
3. Significance
4. Plans
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH/PROGRESS REPORT
Name:
Title of Project:
Date of Meeting:
CMB Core Courses Taken
Final Grade
Year Entered Program:
Education/Training (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education. Include all
laboratories worked in and participation in summer programs)
DEGREE
FIELD OF STUDY OR
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
YEAR(s)
(if
PROJECT TITLE
applicable)
Parts 1-2 should be filled in by the student prior to the meeting and handed in along
with a two page Progress Report to the committee no later than a week before the
meeting.
Part 3 should be filled in by the Thesis Advisor prior to the meeting.
1. List in chronological order all honors and presentations given.
Include date, event, and title of seminar/presentation.
2. List in chronological order all publications. Include publications
submitted or in preparation as well as abstracts for professional meetings.
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3. Describe the status of the student’s progress or ability to complete
this project. Concerns should indicate whether the student is sufficiently
focused on his/her project, working independently and responsive to
advice. Also indicate whether student has demonstrated intellectual
growth and maturity in the design and performance of his/her project as
well as their communication skills. If there are no concerns, state “NO
CONCERNS”.
Part 4 should be completed by the Chair of the Thesis Committee after the meeting and
then signed by all members attending the meeting.
4. List any concerns that the Thesis Committee DISCUSSED with the
student about his/her project or development as an independent
researcher.
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Professional Development
(Please submit this section to committee members prior to the meeting)
5. List your Professional Development Progress in the Past Year: Please list
things that have gone well as well as any areas of difficulty or obstacles that
you have encountered related to your professional/career development over
the past year. What resources would be helpful to you in order to meet your
goals? What help/advice do you need from your committee members?
6. List your professional/career development goals for the upcoming year.
These goals can include things such as: increasing/enhancing knowledge on a
specific research topic or technique of interest to you, enhancing
leadership/mentoring skills, improving oral or written presentation skills,
developing career direction plans, etc. Please discuss these goals with your
thesis committee at the meeting, as they can offer advice.
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---------------------------------------------Signature of Thesis Advisor
---------------------------------------------Signature of Committee Members
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