Institutional Predoctoral Training Program in Biomedical Imaging Science

描述(申请人提供)：这是由范德比尔特大学成像科学研究所的教职员工提交的生物医学成像科学机构博士前博士培训计划的申请。31名教员由一群经验丰富的研究科学家组成，他们致力于体内生物医学成像方法的全面开发和应用。成像不仅为病人护理提供了强大的技术概要，而且还为生物结构和功能的研究提供了概要。成像可以提供关于组织成分、形态和功能的独特有价值的信息，以及对许多基本生物过程的定量描述。持续不断的技术发展将成像的应用扩展到生物学的新领域，如研究大脑功能和基因表达。迫切需要经过不同技术和模式培训的成像科学家，了解所有成像所共有的想法，并能够将成像与生物学和医学中的应用联系起来。我们的计划在领先的研究医学中心、独特的、专注的成像科学研究所以及强大的科学和工程系的背景下，提供全面的成像科学研究生培训。我们建议对8名优秀的博士前科学家进行全面的培训，每个人将获得2年的支持。生物医学成像专业的学生将被现有的几个研究生课程之一录取，但主要将通过我们的化学和物理生物学或生物医学工程专业被录取。我们将重点招收具有物理和定量科学背景的毕业生。受训者将接受与生物医学成像及其应用相关的所有相关领域的全面和示范指导。他们将由成像科学教师以及合作的临床医生和生物科学家共同指导。尽管注册了不同的项目，但所有成像实习生将分享一套共同的课程、轮换和其他经验，这些经验将由该研究所监督和管理。培训计划包括教学课程、轮换和研究经验计划以及论文研究项目。研究机会包括几乎所有主要成像模式和成像科学领域的活跃的、受资助的项目。学员可以接触到优秀的设施，包括三个专门研究的人体磁共振系统(两个在3T，一个在7T)；动物磁共振系统，在4.7T、7T、9.4T和15T；高分辨率超声成像；X射线和光学成像；显微镜、MicroSPECT和Micro PET；以及广泛的化学、放射化学和其他实验室。受训者在生物医学研究的伦理和方法以及拨款和其他重要的职业技能方面受到指导。范德比尔特的项目、人员和设施为博士生提供了独特的机会，让他们接受生物医学成像科学方面的模范培训。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is an application for an institutional pre-doctoral Ph.D. training program in biomedical imaging science submitted by faculty of the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. The 31 preceptor faculty comprises an experienced and expert group of research scientists engaged in the development and applications of a comprehensive array of in vivo biomedical imaging methods. Imaging provides a compendium of powerful techniques not only for patient care but also the study of biological structure and function. Imaging can provide uniquely valuable information about tissue composition, morphology and function, as well as quantitative descriptions of many fundamental biological processes. Continuing technical developments have expanded the applications of imaging to new areas of biology such as the study of brain function and gene expression. There is a critical need for imaging scientists trained in different techniques and modalities, knowledgeable about the ideas that are common to all imaging, and able to relate imaging to applications in biology and medicine. Our program provides a comprehensive graduate training in imaging science within the context of a leading research medical center, a unique, dedicated Institute of Imaging Science, and strong science and engineering departments. We propose a comprehensive training program for 8 outstanding pre-doctoral scientists who would each be supported for 2 years. Students in biomedical imaging will be enrolled in one of several existing graduate programs but will mainly be admitted via our programs in Chemical and Physical Biology or Biomedical Engineering. We will emphasize recruiting graduates with backgrounds in the physical and quantitative sciences. Trainees will receive thorough and exemplary instruction in all of the cognate areas relevant to biomedical imaging and its applications. They will be co-mentored by imaging science faculty as well as collaborating clinicians and biological scientists. Although enrolled in different programs, all trainees in imaging will share a common set of courses, rotations and other experiences, which will overseen and administered by the Institute. The training program incorporates didactic courses, a program of rotations and research experiences, and a dissertation research project. The research opportunities include active, funded projects in nearly all major imaging modalities and areas of imaging science. Trainees have access to outstanding facilities including three research-dedicated human MR systems (2 at 3T and one 7T); animal MR systems at 4.7T, 7T, 9.4T and 15T; high resolution ultrasound imaging; X-ray and optical imaging; micros, microSPECT and micro PET; and extensive chemistry, radiochemistry and other laboratories. Trainees are mentored in the ethics and methods of biomedical research, as well as in grant writing and other important career skills. The programs, personnel, and facilities at Vanderbilt provide unique opportunities for pre-doctoral students to receive exemplary training in biomedical imaging science.