Integrative Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (IPSTP)

Michigan State University, East Lansing MI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

- 5T32GM142521-04 The Integrative Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (IPSTP) at Michigan State University is designed to support 2nd and 3rd year Ph.D. students pursuing dissertation research projects in the pharmacological sciences. Trainees and training faculty are drawn from 7 departmental Ph.D. programs (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology). The IPSTP will provide students with enhanced training in the fields of in vivo pharmacology, drug discovery, and big data. The research expertise of IPSTP training faculty is clustered into three overlapping themes: 1) the intersection of molecular mechanisms of disease with novel therapeutic design; 2) integration of endocrine and metabolic derangements with cancer and cardiovascular processes; and, 3) application of systems biology and bioinformatics to understand drug mechanisms and disease. Funds are requested to support 8 students (4 students entering the program per year). Dr. Dorrance and Dr. Leinninger will serve as co-directors, and Dr. Luyendyk will serve as associate director. The Directors will be assisted by an Executive Committee composed of representatives from the programs and 2 student representatives. The program is also guided by an External Advisory Committee of experts from Pharmacology Ph.D. programs and the pharmaceutical industry. There are 8 core elements to the training plan: 1) a research project that leads to a Ph.D. dissertation and a contribution to knowledge in the pharmacological sciences; 2) three week-long intensive boot camps in drug discovery, in vivo pharmacology, and computational chemistry/big data; 3) a three-course curriculum in pharmacology and biostatistics, 4) training in scientific rigor and reproducibility 5) a Professional Development Forum; 6) participation in an annual program retreat; 7) a monthly journal club and chalk talk program, and 8) an individualized development plan program. Students will be expected to participate in the last four elements both during their direct T32 support period and for subsequent years until graduation. Trainees are also required to attend the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop series provided by the Graduate School and program-specific RCR activities. Supplemental activities available to trainees include: 1) teaching opportunities; 2) participation in the NIH-funded MSU BEST program, and 3) field-trips to regional sites for non-academic careers. The IPSTP has developed a comprehensive plan to recruit highly qualified students and support their training so that they will be competitive for the biomedical workforce. We have also developed comprehensive plans for program and student evaluation. Mentor training will also be required for all IPSTP program faculty and the quality of the mentoring received by the students will be assessed. The IPSTP will provide trainees with excellent research and professional training and will prepare them for research careers in academia, industry and government.