T32 for GSBSE

University Of Maine Orono, Orono ME

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. The goal of this Transdisciplinary Predoctoral Training Program is to provide future scientists and engineers with a uniquely integrative education to facilitate their development as innovative transdisciplinary scientists. The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE) at the University of Maine is an ideal home for this transdisciplinary T32. GSBSE is a statewide biomedical science and engineering PhD program that encompasses not only UMaine, but also the Jackson Laboratory, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, MaineHealth Institute for Research, and the University of New England. Thus, the GSBSE leverages the expertise and infrastructure of the state’s premier biomedical research programs. GSBSE significantly contributes to Maine’s burgeoning focus on bioscience by nucleating new collaborations within and between GSBSE institutions. With 150 faculty and 90 students, the GSBSE’s research mission is broad and spans the areas of computational biology, cell and molecular biology, and general medical sciences. The GSBSE emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration and skills required for team science to prepare students for future biomedical research. The 2019-2024 T32 Transdisciplinary Predoctoral Training Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, UMaine’s first T32, has been very successful. It supported 17 trainees for their first and second years, with 5 subsequently receiving F31 grants. This renewal includes 64 funded faculty members who are committed to transdisciplinary research, full support of partner institutes who provide resources and commitment to predoctoral trainees, a strong foundational curriculum in the biomedical sciences integrated with engineering principles, and advisory committees to oversee and evaluate program outcomes. This program will be administered at the University of Maine and incorporates a multiple PI model. Drs. Gregory Cox (Director, GSBSE), Clarissa Henry (Professor, University of Maine) and Lucy Liaw (Faculty Scientist, MaineHealth Institute for Research) all have significant mentorship, administrative, and leadership experience. This T32 proposes to provide support for 8 predoctoral students in their second and third years of study, all of whom will receive the enhanced training strategies described in this proposal.