Training Grant in Vision Research

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Vanderbilt Vision Research Center (VVRC) request continued support for predoctoral and postdoctoral training. This training program develops independent vision researchers through interdisciplinary training in vision and eye research. This is made possible by the number and cohesiveness of vision and eye researchers at Vanderbilt who maintain an exceptionally strong training record. Aggressive faculty recruiting has increased the number and diversity of qualified mentors and the number of NEI-funded research grants. The program of research and training covers multiple approaches and methods including everything from classic psychophysics to cellular and molecular eye research. Individuals trained during previous grant periods have obtained competitive postdoctoral or faculty positions through which they have established their own independent careers in vision research. Specific program requirements for predoctoral trainees include (1) The Visual System course team-taught by program faculty, (2) additional courses specified by the trainee's graduate program selected from an extensive curriculum covering molecular biology, neuroscience, perception, and engineering, (3) participation in the local Vision Training Seminar series, the invited speaker Vision Research Seminar series, as well as department specific seminars, (4) participation in international scientific meetings such as Association for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology, Vision Science Society, and Society for Neuroscience, (5) participation in a Responsible Conduct of Research program, (6) preparation and submission of an independent NRSA proposal, and (7) most importantly, research supervised by one or more mentors. Postdoctoral trainees are required to fulfill the same requirements except (2). Trainees will be recruited nationally with emphasis on increasing diversity. Alliances with HBCUs in Nashville such as Meharry Medical College, Fisk University, and Tennessee State University facilitate minority recruiting.