Research Training in Experimental Immunology

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This is a competing application for our multi-disciplinary program for “Research Training in Experimental Immunology” at the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) beginning its 30th year. Faculty preceptors with interests in immunology and immunological mechanisms of disease are selected from 12 UMMS departments, as well as the College of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and the Veteran’s Affairs hospital. Our senior preceptors direct active, highly regarded laboratories with exemplary records of scientific impact and funding. These preceptors have outstanding records in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition, we have added highly regarded new investigators and will ensure they have ample guidance in becoming accomplished mentors themselves. The Immunology T32 Training Program (ITTP) is directed by Dr. Bethany Moore who has 10 years of experience directing the ITTP. The co-Director is Dr. Malini Raghavan who also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Immunology (GPI) at UMMS. Dr. Shannon Carty will serve as Assistant Director for the ITTP. Drs. Moore, Raghavan and Carty will work closely with the ITTP Executive Committee, internal and external advisors, and the GPI Graduate Student Affairs Committee to advise trainees, monitor curriculum and resolve any issues. The ITTP will continue to sponsor: 1) a weekly seminar for students and postdoctoral fellows to present works-in progress, 2) a visiting professor monthly seminar where invited guest speakers present their research and interact with program faculty and trainees, 3) ITTP Research Colloquium courses which provide in depth training in experimental immunology methods and translational immunology, 4) short courses for deeper learning in trainee-chosen topics and 5) programmatic activities including a journal club, annual retreat, peer mentoring, career development and networking opportunities for our trainees. The ITTP also provides training in responsible conduct and rigor and transparency in research and is committed to recruiting and training mentees from underrepresented populations to facilitate the creation of a diverse and talented pool of researchers for the next generation. In fact, Drs. Moore and Raghavan have training with regards to best practices in this area and are highly involved in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities campus-wide, particularly as they relate to evaluation of candidates and mentoring. Support is requested for 5 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral trainees, an increase to reflect the growth in the immunology community at Michigan, growth in the GPI enrollment, growth in our ITTP training faculty and increased demand for training in this field. This ITTP program has been essential to the formation of the GPI at the University of Michigan and our success is best measured by the outstanding publication and presentation records of our recent trainees and the excellent postdoctoral, academic and industry positions they earn as they progress. Importantly, this is the only T32-supported program specifically addressing immunology research at the University of Michigan.