Graduate Training in Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis of Human Diseases

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Training Program T32 (CMP) is a joint venture of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School, the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, and the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). CMP provides rigorous didactic training in fundamental basic biomedical sciences and interdisciplinary and innovative training in the pathogenesis of human diseases. The CMP program creates stimulating, and robust intellectual environment for predoctoral training embedded in a dynamic basic and clinical translational research atmosphere to facilitate successful transitions of trainees into careers in the biomedical workforce. Biomedical Graduate Training for the future demands that first-rate academic scientists graduate with appropriate operational, technical, and professional skills to position them for diverse bioscience careers in academia, industry, or government. The primary mission of the CMP program is to answer this demand and prepare our graduates for productive careers in the rapidly evolving biomedical field. The Program provides operational (in-depth knowledge, rigorous and reproducible experimental design, critical thinking), technical (teaching state-of-the-art methods, rigor, and reproducibility), and professional (career development, individual development plans, networking opportunities, and grant writing) skills to ensure student success. The overall objective of CMP is to educate trainees to have a fundamental knowledge of pathology, molecular medicine, and translational clinical research. CMP’s specific objective is to ensure optimal Ph.D. completion rates and time-to-degree. CMP objectives integrate measurable outcomes, such as completion rates, career placement outcomes, and student retention rates. The Program draws 83 Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or MD. funded faculty trainers. We request six non-dissertator, and two dissertator slots under the Molecular Medicine Program. Non-dissertator trainees will be supported in Y 1 or 2, and dissertators will be supported in Y 3 or 4 of training. Candidates will be selected based on commitment to research, letters of recommendation, and the potential to make significant contributions toward the health-related research needs of our nation. Our curriculum provides interdisciplinary and integrated training in fundamental concepts in modern pathobiology, emphasizing biochemical, cellular, and molecular approaches to studying human disease, including training in statistics, rigor, and reproducibility, and responsible conduct in research. Intended trainee outcomes include 100% success in trainee transition into biomedical research positions that align with the health-related needs of our nation. Modified CMP T32 Specific Aims Section The primary mission of the CMP T32 program is to prepare graduates for productive careers in biomedical or clinical research, education, or service and to position them to make significant contributions toward the health-related research needs of our nation. The CMP program will provide graduate students with operational, technical, and professional skills in interdisciplinary and integrated training in the pathogenesis of human diseases with emphasis on molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches. Since pathology is a broad discipline, there are four focus areas for disease pathogenesis in our T32 program: Cancer Biology, Immunopathology, Neuropathology, and Signal Transduction in the pathogenesis of human diseases. To provide operational skills and in-depth understanding of common mechanisms in cellular and molecular changes that underlie diseases, we offer courses where clinicians and basic researchers provide side-by-side training. Pre-doctoral graduate training is conducted in an intellectual interdisciplinary environment embedded in an exciting and challenging basic and clinical translational research context. Training in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is part of the operational/technical and professional training in the Program. Trainees will receive informal training from faculty and mentors, and formal training through the CMP RCR introductory and advance courses, and workshops. The program will enhance the training environment, and not simply provide financial support to graduate trainees, by sponsoring numerous student gatherings over the course of the year to ensure that all our trainees form a cohesive group. Specific Aim 1. Provide Operational Skills to trainees • Focus on rigorous fundamental knowledge, significant training in statistics, ethics, rigor and state-of-the art methods for innovative research design and critical thinking. • Experience for conceptualizing scientific problems, hypotheses and developing appropriate experimental approaches to test these. • Empower students with rigorous knowledge combined with analytics that will enable them to think critically challenge existing paradigms of disease treatments and pathogenic mechanisms. • Provide collaborative team-based interdisciplinary educational environment. • Require participation in innovative courses, including the Pathology 802 Histopathology for Transitional Scientists. This course is unique among the graduate curricula, introducing students to the pathogenesis of disease via integration of actual autopsy patient cases. In addition to attending twice-weekly lectures, students will participate in weekly autopsy gross organ conferences as well as microscopic review sessions. In this way, the concepts covered in lectures will be applied and reinforced in the interactive autopsy sessions. Students will also observe at least one full autopsy, gaining a three-dimensional understanding of human structure and disease. Specific Aim 2. Provide Technical Skills for trainees • Training in state-of-the-art methods and technology. Innovative hands-on cutting-edge technology training provided by the Translational Research in Pathology (TRIP) laboratory. The TRIP offers yearly training in spatial and molecular profiling methods. New technologies, including spatial gene expression methodologies are introduced to our trainees. • State-of-the-art quantitative and computational training. • Integrate responsible training in research with all courses and teaching experiences. Aim 3. Provide Professional Skills for trainees. • Provide skills needed for transition into careers in the rapidly evolving field of biomedical research and emphasize trainee development. Organize professional development panels and career workshops. • Provide platforms for presenting research findings. • Provide oversight to all trainees through the completion of their training by offering individual development plans (IDPs) integrated with careful mentoring. • Provide teaching experience that will prepare CMP trainees for all careers in the rapidly evolving biomedical research. • Provide leadership training and opportunities ensuring student participation on all program committees including the Steering Committee. Listening to our students is a crucial component of CMP training and it is important for program improvement.