Training in Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

This is a new application seeking support for the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (MPaT) graduate program at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The mission of the MPaT program is to cultivate the next generation of pharmacologists who will lead or contribute to efforts yielding new therapeutic approaches for our most vexing health challenges. While recent program changes have fostered growth, enhanced its governance structure, and addressed succession planning concerns, there remain several opportunities for improvements that could enhance the training experience for students and faculty alike. The overarching objective of efforts described in this application is to transform the MPaT graduate program so that it better equips our students with the skills needed to conduct impactful research and become leaders in the evolving biomedical workforce. This goal will be achieved by implementation of a plan that includes critical updates to the MPaT curriculum, investments in recruitment and retention, augmented career development activities, mentorship training for preceptors, and continual improvement driven by comprehensive program evaluation. The plan is guided by student-facing objectives that align with desirable competencies related to scientific knowledge, technical and analytical skill development, communication, and the self-efficacy that develops over the course of an independent research project, as well as program-facing objectives including enhanced retention rate and research outcomes for all students. NIGMS support is requested for 5 students per year for the first 2 years in the program. This support, combined with institutional funding, will help the MPaT program meet its goal of matriculating 12 incoming students per year and training approximately 60 students across all cohorts. All MPaT students will complete 7 courses that give them a solid grounding in quantitative and systems pharmacology; underscore the importance of rigorous experimental design, responsible conduct of research, and team-based learning and problem-solving; and afford many opportunities to refine skills in scientific communication. This core curriculum will be supplemented by a computational course and data management workshop, and electives that permit program individualization. Student engagement with the Pharmacology Seminar Series and Retreat will foster awareness of research challenges and opportunities in contemporary pharmacology and provide networking opportunities. For their mentored research experience, students will select an advisor from among a talented and dedicated group of preceptors who share an interest in translating molecular, cellular, and organ systems-level insights into novel approaches to diagnose and/or treat human ailments and disease. Students can further tailor the training experience by engaging with experiential learning opportunities designed to give them exposure to careers-of-interest and facilitate their transition into the biomedical workforce. The training experience overall will be enhanced by the vast resources at UMN that foster safe, rigorous, and impactful research, and the strong institutional commitment to program success.