Molecular Mycology: Current Approaches to Fungal Pathogenesis (MoMy) Training Course

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PROJECT SUMMARY The purpose of this application is to support the Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis education program (MOMY) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. MOMY is now approaching its 25th anniversary at the MBL. Over the course’s history it has provided pivotal training for a scientific workforce to meet the world’s biomedical research needs related to the growing incidence of, and limited therapeutic options for, human fungal infections. Simply put, there is an urgent need for new research with human fungal infections given the rapid advances in immune modulating medical therapies that often result in opportunistic fungal infections. MOMY has addressed both the significant impact of fungi on morbidity and mortality in immune compromised patient populations, as well as the role of fungi as microbiome components that affect health and disease. Our intensive and immersive MOMY program provides trainees hands-on laboratory skill training by leading scientists in the fields of fungal biology, immunology & host response, and antifungal drug development. These skills are critical to develop and promote a well-trained workforce in the face of the growing threat posed by fungi to human well-being. MOMY’s objective during the 2 week course is to provide foundational knowledge and training in the techniques, procedures, and concepts in molecular mycology through direct experiences working with fungi and animal models of fungal disease. Importantly, MOMY provides critical career mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the course to all participants. We achieve our objective in part through the participation of a diverse and committed faculty who are leading experts from the mycology community. Our specifics aims are: (1) To provide in-depth instruction on fundamental contemporary skills in molecular medical mycology; (2) To provide mentored research opportunities based on cutting edge methods and concepts in molecular medical mycology; and (3) To provide trainees with career mentoring, including professional development advice, science ethics training, and development of a lifelong professional mentoring network. Overall, MOMY has a long history of successfully meeting these aims to advance the NIH Mission and advance our ability to ask, explore, and answer critical questions related to the impact of fungi on human health. The course remains of utmost significance given the increasing scope and incidence of fungi’s impact on humanity and the rapid research technological and conceptual advances occurring in our field.