Redox Biology and Medicine Training Program

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Project Summary This proposal seeks funding for an NRSA Institutional Predoctoral Training Grant from the Systems and Integrative Biology Program of the National Institute for General Medical Sciences. This grant will support predoctoral training in Redox Biology and Medicine (RBM) leading to a Ph.D. degree at Wake Forest University. The RBM Training Program is a multi-disciplinary, multi-departmental program that has as its goal the training of researchers working at the interface of biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry and physics to communicate and work across disciplines to delve into the specialized chemistry of oxidation and reduction reactions underlying the pathophysiology of many diseases. The 34 members of the RBM training faculty are diverse and highly collaborative, and include faculty from Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Seven physician or veterinarian scientists (with MD, MD/PhD or DVM/PhD degrees) are also among the training faculty, encouraging translational science. Participating faculty represent a balance of career stages, including Assistant (10), Associate (11) and full Professors (13). Major scientific themes of the RBM Training Program include the overlapping areas of (i) oxidative modifications regulating metabolism and signal transduction pathways, (ii) redox regulation of nucleic acid metabolism and cell cycle, (iii) reactive nitrogen species biochemistry and biophysics relating to human health, and (iv) redox-linked mechanisms of disease initiation, progression and treatment. The RBM training program has a flexible curriculum built around a common core of required courses (Fundamentals of Redox Biology and Medicine, MCB 715; Omics Data: Generation, Analysis & Exploration, CABI 740; and at least one technology-specific minicourse or workshop), electives, as well as the discipline- specific courses to meet the requirements of the Ph.D. programs of the trainees. Students in the program are trained in such areas as chemical biology, omics (proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics), biomedical engineering, enzymology, animal models of disease, mitochondrial biology and computational biology / bioinformatics as fits best to the research area of the individual and their Individual Development Plan. The training program takes advantage of the activities driven by the Center for Redox Biology and Medicine in coordination with other basic research and clinical centers at the institution, including a well-developed system of interdisciplinary seminars and retreats to promote interaction among members of the program. Students participate in trainee-focused Chalk Talks which foster development in the cross-discipline communication skills so critical to the multi-disciplinary research in this field. We also offer specific training in skills for a wide variety of potential careers for our Ph.D. graduates, including careers in academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, intellectual property, and science communication and policy. The guiding principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as anti-racism activities are at the core of our program and present at all levels of organization (students, mentors, Executive Committee, and activities).