District of Columbia T32 on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Research (DC NDD T32)

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Project Summary/Abstract The main objective of our T32 Training Program is to train MD and PhD post-doctoral fellows in research focused on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs). This program, the District of Columbia NDD T32, is associated with and fully integrated into our District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (DC-IDDRC). The rationale for this program is as follows: 1) Neurodevelopmental disabilities affect a significant percentage of the US population, and 10% of households live with an individual with an NDD, therefore these conditions represent a substantial financial and emotional burden in our society; 2) The biological causes of NDDs range from genetic to acquired insults, requiring an interdisciplinary neuroscience approach to define underlying causes and mechanisms of disease; and 3) There is significant overlap of symptoms amongst the various neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting overlapping mechanisms. Our trainees and mentors use cutting-edge techniques, including genetic, cellular/molecular, physiological, functional/behavioral, and structural/dynamic imaging to engage in basic and translational NDD research projects. Multidisciplinary training is emphasized, based on the variety of training opportunities and core facilities available at the participating institutions. Children’s National Hospital (CNH) is particularly well positioned to lead this program, based on: 1) Strengths in basic, translational and clinical research, and in mentorship in all the proposed areas of NDD research; 2) Substantial institutional resources for research and training in NDDs; 3) Established, strong collaborations with all participating institutions; and 4) Its leading role in the DC-IDDRC and in many NIH awards focusing on conditions causing NDDs. Thirty mentors from CNH, George Washington, Howard and Georgetown Universities will be involved in the program to help develop and support careers of the trainees, including submission of a K Award application. We request funding for 3 postdoctoral fellows/year who participate in a 3- year program. The trainees will obtain: 1) specific and integrated training in NDDs and 2) formal and practical training in basic and essential skills required for independence, with a focus on research methodology, statistics, and rigor and reproducibility. The training components include a core curriculum consisting of: 1) Subject matter expertise; 2) Research and quantitative skills, and 3) Communication and writing skills. In addition, trainees will have customized and experiential components to deepen their training. These include a cross-training rotation for trainees (e.g., preclinical researchers rotate in the clinic and vice versa); a regular discussion group with a world-renowned leader and author in the field of NDDs (Mark Batshaw, MD); and we also offer trainees opportunities to participate in activities that are critical for broadening their perspective on how to conduct research by interacting with the community they are aiming to help in different venues beyond the lab or clinic, which will enhance relationships and promote advocacy for the NDD community.