Training Core - Judge_Crosbie(UCLA)

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The overall objective of the MDSRC Training Core is to increase the number of rigorously trained and scientifically competent researchers capable of sustaining productive basic science, translational and/or clinical research programs in muscular dystrophy. To meet this central objective, the core will identify and recruit qualified basic science and clinical predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in, and potential for, independent basic science, translational and/or clinical research in muscular dystrophy. Particular emphasis will be placed on the recruitment of trainees from underrepresented groups with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and disabilities. The Training Core and associated matching funds will support at least three pre- or post-doctoral trainees in MDSRC faculty labs at any one time, plus at least one clinical trainee. The Training Cores at UF and UCLA will oversee and coordinate a spectrum of formal and informal training activities for trainees supported by the core and matching funds, as well as the predoctoral, postdoctoral and clinical fellow researchers engaged in muscular dystrophy research in the labs of researchers supported through the projects of the MDCRC. Each trainee will prepare an Individual Development Plan using MyIDP, based on their past training and recommendations from their primary mentor and thesis committee. Depending on the career stage of the trainee (predoctoral, postdoctoral or clinical fellow), the individualized plan may consist of a structured didactic program, seminars, and mentored grant writing experiences. All predoctoral trainees will be required to enroll in courses at their respective institutions that cover muscle health and disease, grant writing and responsible conduct of research. Trainees in clinical research will further be required to enroll in courses related to the design and conduct of clinical trials. Both UF and UCLA offer specific courses on muscular dystrophies. At UF, this course is titled Muscular Dystrophy and Myopathies and at UCLA the course is titled Mechanisms and Therapies for Muscular Dystrophies. The Training Cores will further enhance the training environment by supporting 1) annual trainee hosted seminars rotated between UF, UCLA, and NU, 2) travel to attend the Annual Nationwide Children’s Hospital/OSU/Wellstone Myology Course, 3) registration and travel to attend and present at our Wellstone Center aligned New Directions in Muscle Biology and Disease conference and our Wellstone Center aligned Advances in Skeletal Muscle Biology conference. At each of these conferences, we will host a meeting for our MDSRC trainees to share an update on their research. At the New Directions conference this will be open to trainees from across the entire MDSRC network.