Pharmacological Sciences Training Program

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Summary The mission of our Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (PSTP) is to train a diverse cohort of students who contribute both to the development of medicines and become leaders in careers that span the entire biomedical workforce. Among our objectives for achieving that mission are that students develop a broad understanding of pharmacological sciences, and complementary skills in computation, communication, and critical thinking. Building on traditional strengths in receptor biology, signal transduction, and neuropharmacology, we have grown to include expertise in emerging areas of pharmacology, including immune regulation, RNA, and ubiquitin systems. Our training faculty leverage cutting-edge experimental methods, including genomics, proteomics, functional genetics, cryo-electron microscopy, optogenetics, high-resolution imaging and mathematical modeling. Collectively, this provides an exceptional training environment for students. We take part in a large umbrella program, referred to as the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP), which oversees recruitment and training of ~110 first-year graduate students in the biomedical sciences. This training includes instruction in methods to enhance reproducibility and the responsible conduct of research. BBSP students carry out three research rotations before selecting a thesis lab and degree-granting PhD program at the end of their first year. A strong Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) also brings in ~10 students per year. Students who join the PSTP choose from our 65-core training faculty, who are productive, well-funded, and universally committed to student mentorship. Faculty take part in formal mentor training and rely on evidencebased practices to help students achieve their goals. The PSTP utilizes a complementary set of training approaches, which combined, prepare students for future success, irrespective of their career choice. Students take part in courses that cover the principles of pharmacology, as well as specialized electives. Rigorous scientific writing and presentation courses develop skills in scientific communication. Quantitative skills are developed through an emphasis on biostatistics, computation, and ligand- receptor binding theory and analysis. Rigor and reproducibility are emphasized across all training approaches. Individual Development Plans are drafted by all students, and a robust advisory system oversees their research progress. Students have many opportunities, including internships, to explore diverse career options. Programmatic surveys gauge student satisfaction and help to identify places for improvement. Students are appointed to the training grant for two years, during their second and third year. The average time-to-degree is ~5.3 years and our PhD attainment rate is 90% over the past 15 years. Over the last few years, the size of our Program has grown considerably. We have recently recruited ~17 students into our Program each year, a trend we expect will continue. Our applicant pool, and the class of matriculating students, is larger and more diverse than at any time in our history. Thus, our Program is vibrant and growing, and this is due, in part, to the continued success of our T32 training initiatives.