Diversity Administrative Supplement to T32DC000014

Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project summary The overarching goal of the parent grant, T32DC000014, is to provide opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to obtain training at a Center for research into the chemical senses—taste, smell, and chemical irritation. In addition to specialized hands-on research training provided by faculty mentors, fellows attend instructional courses, workshops, and Postdoctoral Journal Club meetings; they have opportunities for small-group review of data, one-on-one assistance with clear scientific communication, and instruction on academic ethics tailored to their stage of professional development. For each fellow, a mentoring committee composed of three faculty helps formulate an Individual Development Plan for that fellow’s career path, tracks the fellow’s progress, helps set practical scientific goals, suggests skill development opportunities, and provides written feedback every six months. The long-term goal of Monell’s Postdoctoral Training Program is to train independent scientists in chemosensory science, part of NIH’s mission to improve the nation’s health. This diversity supplement proposal seeks funding for Vicente Ramirez, a Hispanic U.S. citizen and the first in his family to obtain a PhD. Ramirez will contribute intellectually to the development of a research program focused on surveilling olfactory function in the general population. This complements Ramirez's expertise in taste genetics gained from two Diversity supplements to two parents awards, R41DC017693 and R42DC017693, led by Dr. Danielle Reed, a Monell faculty member and multi-PI of Monell’s T32 training grant. With this additional training, Dr. Ramirez will work in Dr. Valentina Parma's lab and be well-prepared to apply for an F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship, advancing his career as an independent scientist in the chemical senses.