Training Program in Mechanisms of Virus-Host Interactions

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Summary: The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) Mechanism of Virus-Host Interactions Training Grant is a multidisciplinary training program designed to train and educate pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees in the broad discipline of Virology. The proposal requests continued support for years 26-30 of the Virology Training Program The faculty is derived from the three different departments at ISMMS with Dr. Domenico Tortorella as the Program Director and Dr. Viviana Simon as the Co-Director. The research training emphasis is directed toward teaching pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees the theory and experimental approaches required for independent scientific investigations. Trainees learn the molecular mechanisms involved in virus replication and host responses to viral infections. Research training areas also include novel approaches for antiviral strategies and vaccine development against medically relevant viruses. Our trainees are highly successful in attaining independent research positions, peer-reviewed publications, and extramural research funding. Accordingly, the Training Program is requesting support for four pre-doctoral and three post-doctoral trainees per year under the mentorship of 24 faculty Mentors. The specific aim of the program is to provide rigorous training to high caliber students and fellows. The continued support of this program will aid trainees in all phases of their development including understanding scientific method, interpretation of results, presentation of data and conclusions, research ethics, and career guidance. By combining the strengths of an outstanding group of Faculty Mentors, we have created a world-class virology Training Program. This program is built upon existing collaborations, including research grants, and joint publications between faculty members at ISMMS. The program faculty consists of outstanding scientists who use a diverse array of experimental strategies to study the molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological interactions of viruses with their hosts and the development of viral therapeutics and vaccines against viral pathogens. The Training program is expected to support 22-25 predoctoral and 12-15 post-doctoral trainees for 1-2 years. Trainees are expected to complete training in 5 years as pre-doctoral trainees and 3-4 years for post-doctoral trainees, obtain research-related positions in academia or industry, and publish at least one first author manuscripts. These are achievable goals based on the rigorous Training Plan and qualifications of the supported Trainees.