Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary This T32 renewal application, with demonstrated excellence in creating meritorious and next- generation predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees in lung research, requests continued support for the Lung Biology and Pathobiology Training Program (TPLBP) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, for years 32–36. Our steadfast goal remains to train the next generation of high-caliber trainees specializing in lung biology and the pathobiology of lung disease and its relentless impact on patient survival worldwide. The program fosters career growth by enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and developing the resilience and determination to succeed in research-focused professions. Each trainee will receive funding for two years. To this end, in addition to our existing cohort of accomplished mentors, we have included newly NIH-funded faculty mentors to reinvigorate our program. The trainees have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of 40 faculty members who specialize in five interconnected research areas: 1) Lung Vascular Homeostasis, Pathobiology, and Regeneration; 2) Cellular, Humoral, and Mechanical Bases of Lung Injury and Repair; 3) Microbiome and Metabolism in Lung Biology and Pathobiology; 4) Lung Genomics and Data Science in Inflamed and Regenerated Vessels; and 5) Therapeutics Targeting Lung Vessel Regeneration. In this renewal, the program has placed our trainee’s interests above faculty research interests, and we call this approach "trainee-centric." Our program involves mentoring through a primary preceptor, engaging in co-mentorship overseen by several committees, including executive, external, and trainee advisory committees, crafting individual development plans, and emphasizing communication and presentation skills. We have also added a "feedback loop" workshop to benefit our trainees. Additionally, the program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusivity, emphasizing women's roles and strong recruitment and retention efforts. The program is highly multidisciplinary, as we have added expertise in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, stem cells, epigenetics, and physician science. We are requesting 5 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral trainee positions. In the last 10 years, 75% of our trainees, including underrepresented minorities, have engaged in academic research, and 40% received F31, AHA, or KO9, R21, and RO1 grants. With recent advances and expanded thematic areas, we are repositioned and re-empowered to train a select group of individuals in lung-related research. This training will allow them to intersect with other disciplines, enhancing their careers in academia, research institutes, the biopharmaceutical industry, and other emerging fields.