Tri-I Training Program in Metabolomics

Weill Medical Coll Of Cornell Univ, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Metabolomics has emerged as the newest systems-level discipline with demonstrated potential to provide mechanistic insights in the fields of infectious disease, microbiome science, inflammation, and immunology. However, a key barrier to this potential is the conceptually and technologically unique nature of metabolomics that distinguishes it from other systems level disciplines. This proposal seeks to continue to deliver and expand an established structured didactic and laboratory training program aimed at increasing both the conceptual and technological accessibility of metabolomics to NIAID-funded trainees. This program combines multiple educational activities tiered to maximize adoption and competence in advanced metabolomics techniques and equip trainees with both theoretical and practical understanding of these emerging technologies. This will be achieved through 3 complementary activities: Activity 1 is a didactic course accompanied by data analysis exercises developed to emphasize key concepts in both modern mass spectrometry, NMR analysis and the implementation of these approaches in biomedical research. In this renewal application, we will expand the mentored data analysis exercises and we will continue to refine and update this content to include emerging technologies and experimental approaches. Activity 2 is a mentored project development clinic aimed in which participants can develop ideas originating from their own research into actionable, well-controlled experiments – here, the emphasis is on recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of the available technologies, rigorous experimental design, and developing appropriate data analysis strategies. Activity 3 of the program consists of tailored, mentored laboratory research experiences allowing trainees to develop skills specifically aligned with their research objectives – this may constitute a series of small pilot experiments, the development or implementation of a new method, or refining an existing analytical strategy to better address their research question. Although these activities will frequently be accessed sequentially, our program will continue to support these modules being accessed independently. This further allows this program to deliver training, mentorship, and research experiences in a format that meets the individual trainee needs and their differing career stages. In this renewal application, we are also recruiting from NIAID-supported labs at all NY metro area research institutions, have expanded our recruitment plan aimed at expanding the biomedical workforce engaged in metabolomics and will initiate a mechanism for disseminating program content via the existing online infrastructure at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.