Neurochemical & Behavioral Correlates of ETOH Effects

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PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal is for the competing continuation of a T32 training program on the Neurochemical & Behavioral Correlates of EtOH Effects for 5 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral fellows at The University of Texas at Austin. This multidisciplinary program has a long history of training predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows in innovative research questions related to alcohol misuse to help the national effort of producing the next generation of independent scientists focused on alcohol-related research. Intertwined with the internationally renowned Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, our training environment and opportunities are exceptional, provided by a diverse and highly collaborative group of 14 faculty members from seven research units (Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Molecular Biosciences, Neurology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology-Toxicology, and Psychiatry) and four graduate programs (Cellular and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology-Toxicology, and Psychology). The primary objective to provide rigorous, state of the art research training includes research in cellular and animal models as well as human subjects and in a breadth of innovative approaches including molecular biology and genetics, bioinformatics, cellular imaging, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, human imaging and behavior. Trainees are immersed in the alcohol research field facilitated by the dynamic culture of the intellectual environment provided by the Waggoner Center and the Institute for Neuroscience. Additional objectives include training in effective scientific communication as well as professional and career development. Programmatic elements enhance the experience, including required courses and seminars on Rigor and Reproducibility, Responsible Conduct of Research, Grant Writing, Scientific Communication, and Alcohol Journal Club. Multiple presentation opportunities for trainees are available in a number of seminar series, local symposia, and the T32’s new works- in-progress sessions. Predoctoral students will be required to complete a series of core course requirements, achieve research milestones under direct guidance of training faculty, and satisfy departmental requirements culminating in a Ph.D. degree. Postdoctoral training will be for three years and consist of focused alcohol research guided by a faculty mentor and coupled with professional development activities supported by the training program. We will continue to focus on recruiting trainees from diverse and under-represented groups and support UT’s initiatives in diversity, access, equity, and inclusion to diversify the faculty, which will subsequently aid in our recruiting efforts. Exceptional facilities, resources and commitment to training from all levels provide an outstanding research training environment to prepare our trainees for success in research- intensive careers focused on the causes and consequences of alcohol misuse.