CBSI

Computational Biochemistry and STEM Innovation Post-baccalaureate program

Computational Biochemistry & STEM Innovation Certificate Program

Virtual. Flexible. Research-Based. Business-Savvy.

Program Overview

This 11-month, 21-credit certificate program provides cutting-edge training in computational chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, and STEM innovation. Ideal for students pursuing graduate school or a career transition into biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. Classes are fully virtual, meeting Monday evenings and Saturday mid-day.

Each class runs for 5 or 10 weeks. Students meet up to 6 hours weekly as a cohort and gain hands-on experience through collaborative research projects and interactive coursework. Students will also participate in research meetings.

Program Benefits

Personal coaching and individualized development
Research experience
Learn computational biochemistry skills
Training in computational biochemistry and cheminformatics
Business and innovation coursework
Professional conference attendance
Graduate school preparation

Who Should Apply?

Students reapplying to graduate school
Students needing research experience
Working professionals looking to return to STEM in biochemistry or related areas
Individuals interested in pursuing computational biochemistry research in drug discovery
Individuals interested in potentially starting their own STEM business
Students looking for gap-year experiences which strengthen their applications for advanced STEM degrees

Application Requirements

Undergraduate transcripts from each institution attended
Two letters of recommendation (required). You may have an optional third recommendation letter sent.
- One from a faculty member
- One from yourself
Current CV or resume
Personal Statement (up to two pages, single spaced, 11pt font).
In your personal statement please tell us,
- What you hope to gain from the CBSI program
- What your current career goals are
- Tell us about yourself (e.g. family, growing up, defining moments, motivation for pursuing advanced education)
- Any challenges you have overcome

Application deadline for 2025-2026 year: June 30th, 2025

What Research Would I Be Doing?

The Molecular Immunotherapeutics Research (MIR) lab is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. By using in silico techniques, molecular docking, homology modeling, and other biochemistry computational tools, the MIR lab accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates to combat current and emerging health issues, develop bio-tools that help us to understand structure function relationships, and expand computational methods and tools for structure analysis and prediction. Current research initiatives which post-baccalaureates can pursue include:

Protein Engineering for Autoimmune Disorders
Structural Modeling of Uncharacterized Proteins
Development of Novel Therapeutic Compounds for Cancers and Neurological Disorders
Computational Design of Therapeutic Agents for Coronaviruses

Program Details

Cost: $25,000 for the full 11-month program (tuition includes courses, materials, and conference travel). Flexible payment plans are available, including deferred payment post-graduate school.

This certificate program does not confer academic degrees or guarantee graduate school admission. We are in the process of seeking accreditation, therefore courses are non-accredited and may not transfer to other institutions.

Program Impact

Our mission is to help participants find their purpose, prepare for graduate study, and pursue innovative careers in science and business. A portion of program supports the L & Leola Educational Advancement Foundation and its nonprofit goals.

For questions email

CBSI@LandLeaf.org

View MIR Research Site

Download MIR Research Projects

Apply Now

Our Faculty

Dr. Garry Brown Jr., PhD, Esq

Dr. Garry Brown, Jr. is not just an intellectual property (IP) attorney—he’s a trailblazer in the field. As a key member of Technip Energies in Houston, TX, he specializes in securing and managing a global patent portfolio, negotiating high-stakes agreements, and driving innovation by collaborating with engineers to protect cutting-edge technologies.
Dr. Brown’s expertise is backed by a rich academic and professional journey. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Mississippi, followed by postdoctoral research for the City University of New York, where he investigated the global impact of environmental pollutants. His legal career was shaped at Lewis & Clark Law School, including an internship at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a patent examiner in Electrochemistry.

Intellectual Property Attorney and Adjunct Professor

Dr. Mary Stoddard, RD, MA, MBA, EdD, Esq

Dr. Mary Stoddard is more than an accomplished attorney—she’s a powerhouse in law, education, and leadership, dedicated to guiding others toward success. As the Founder, CEO, and Owner of Stoddard & Associates PLLC, she leads a dynamic law practice, bringing years of expertise in business law, human resources, legal ethics, and healthcare administration.
Her impact extends beyond the courtroom and boardroom—Dr. Stoddard has also been an adjunct professor at Northwood University and Indiana University shaping the next generation of professionals. Prior to launching her own firm, she served as Executive Director of Human Resource Planning and Diversity Initiatives for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, demonstrating her deep commitment to equity and empowerment.

Attorney, Author, Founder, CEO, and Adjunct Professor

Dr. Shana V. Stoddard, MEd, PhD

Dr. Shana Stoddard is more than a scientist—she is a trailblazer in STEM, education, and mentorship. As the President, Founder, and CEO of Learning Concepts Institute®, she leads a team that provides mentoring program development, professional coaching, and consulting for students, faculty, and professionals navigating higher education and STEM careers.
Dr. Stoddard has a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s in Education from Freed-Hardeman University. She is a proud graduate of the HBCU Prairie View A&M University. She is also an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rhodes College, where she earned early tenure. Dr. Stoddard has mentored over 100 research students in cutting-edge research many of whom have gone on to STEM graduate and professional programs.