Trainee Advancement Alliance

Who is the Trainee Advancement Alliance (TAA)?TAA Logo

TAA is a collaborative group of Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) graduate students, 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.

View TAA members

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.

For any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us at TAA@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Who can use TAA as a resource?

TAA serves as a dedicated resource for trainees overcoming challenges and navigating adversity within the biomedical research community.

Trainees Include:

  • Graduate Students
  • Post-Bacs
  • Post-Docs
  • Medical Students
  • Master's Students
  • Research Technicians
  • Undergraduate Student Interns
  • High School Student Interns
  • Any other individuals working under an advisor

TAA Services:

  • 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

Want to know more about TAA?

  • Follow us on Social Media

  • Reach out to us

    • Email a member from the TAA Leadership Team

  • Attend our events

    • Keep an eye out for dates announced on TAA social media and BGS bulletins!

  • Want to become a TAA member?

View List of TAA Members