These are seen as very helpful to students trying to decide on labs for rotations or thesis work. Advising is generally informal but appears effective in that students are satisfied that they are well advised as to their options, and responsibilities. In large measure, this satisfaction derives from the open door policy of Director Nusbaum. The nurturing that Dr. Nusbaum provides to the students is invaluable, and we can only hope that he will be able to continue to shoulder this huge responsibility in the future. D. Retention and outcome .
Retention is very good.
Outcomes, as measured by postdoctoral positions, industry positions, and medical and academic appointments, are very strong. All in all the NGG does an excellent job of recruitment and training. The systems and integrative biology training grant is highly competitive and represents an external validation of the training program in neuroscience at Penn. It is currently being reviewed for renewal. This is a good idea, but the amount is too low to support more than a small fraction of the cost of attending a national meeting.