Patrick Brandt

About Patrick Brandt

I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of research scientists as they develop the skills necessary to succeed intellectually and professionally in their chosen careers. I have a proven record of securing grant funding and running programs to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to positively impact the biomedical workforce. I also love sharing my enthusiasm for science with those who haven\'t yet realized they are amateur scientists.Specialties: Graduate training program administration, diversity initiatives, grant writing, biomedical graduate student and postdoctoral professional development, Responsible Conduct of Research trainer, career coaching, graduate student recruitment, program assessment, strategic planningNarrative Biosketch: Dr. Patrick Brandt (he/him) is the Director of Career Development and Science Outreach at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He directs career awareness and professional skills development programming that serves graduate student and postdoctoral trainees in the life sciences. He also directs the ImPACT internship program which helps UNC PhD candidates gain hands on training that furthers their career paths. Patrick also leads UNC\'s Certificate Program in Translational Medicine. Patrick leads the statewide North Carolina DNA Day initiative which for more than 15 years has sent scientists annually to high schools across North Carolina to get students excited about learning science. Patrick grew up in Upstate NY and earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. After postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Patrick joined the Office of Graduate Education in 2008. In his spare time Patrick loves working and playing outside.

Experience

1. Owner

   Piedmont Tree Climbing

   Sep 2011 — Present · Raleigh-Durham, NC, US

   I love nature and science and have found many unique ways to share that love with others. I founded Piedmont Tree Climbing in 2011 as a way to give people an intimate experience with the forest canopy. People who climb into the canopy invariably descend to terra firme with a greater appreciation for trees. On the weekends I run group climbs for kids and adults of all ages and have run public climbs for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Botanical Gardens, the JC Raulston Arboretum, North Carolina State Parks system, and for Orange County Parks and Recreation. I also teach researchers how to safely access the canopy in order to study the birds, mammals, plants and insects that inhabit the forest canopy. Researchers I have taught are now studying forest ecosystems in the United States, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Honduras. Check out for more details. After learning to climb trees on rope I discovered a niche service opportunity that is a perfect blend of my love of animals and trees - I have rescued more than 250 cats who were otherwise unable to get down from trees they had climbed or been chased into. Check out for rescue videos and more information. I also install custom tree swings and I am a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (SO-10047A).

Education

• University of Rochester

  MS, PhD, Biochemistry

  2002 — 2007

Skills

• Science Outreach and Education
• Program Management
• Biochemistry
• Career Development
• Program Assessment
• Staff Development
• Life Sciences
• Molecular Biology
• Program Development
• Program Evaluation
• Coaching
• Training
• Teaching
• Research
• Higher Education
• Grants
• Interviews
• Curriculum Design
• Public Speaking
• Career Counseling
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning