Interdisciplinary Training Program in Metabolism

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PROJECT SUMMARY Established in 2011, the University of Utah Interdisciplinary T32 Training Program in Metabolism prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees for successful careers in biomedical research, enabling them with the knowledge and scientific expertise to rigorously study the metabolic basis of diabetes, obesity and their comorbidities as well as providing them the leadership and professional skills to launch successful research careers in academia or industry. The program comprises mentored research, career development activities, and coursework while providing extensive opportunities for trainees to network with elite researchers on campus and around the globe. This program leverages University of Utah’s Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (DMRC), which serves as the foundational infrastructure of this training program. The DMRC enriches the trainee experience through the facilitation of enrichment activities (eg. Seminars in Metabolism Lecture Series, Metabolism Research In Progress meetings, DMRC Annual Symposium), administration of pilot and feasibility grants, fostering innovation in DMRC-related cores, facilitation of the recruitment of new DMRC faculty, and execution of online communication platforms. Key elements in this training program include 1) strong mentor-based training in basic and clinical investigation, 2) rigorous didactic curriculum including a core curriculum in metabolism as well as specific training in research methodologies and grant writing, 3) a lecture series focused on metabolism with internal and external speakers, 4) tailored career mentoring with individual development plans to ensure a successful transition to the next stage of their career, and 4) presentation and outreach opportunities to develop communication skills. The training faculty include 29 DMRC members with stable extramural funding and dynamic research programs from eight departments within the School of Medicine, College of Health, and College of Pharmacy. These participating faculty members are organized into four themes: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms, Lipid Metabolism and Adipose Biology, Mitochondrial Biology, Immunological Mechanisms, and Diabetes Complications and Vascular Biology. Clinically qualified trainees are recruited from fellowship training programs in Endocrinology, and PhD postdocs are recruited nationally into faculty laboratories. Predoctoral candidates are recruited from the programs in Molecular Biology, Biological Chemistry, and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. Successful applicants are awarded a two-year appointment in the program. To date, the program has provided fellowships and helped to launch careers for 16 postdoctoral fellows and 12 predoctoral trainees. Given our expansion of graduate programs, increased recruitment of DMRC faculty, and increased number of applicants, we request expansion of our program to provide support or four predoctoral and three postdoctoral trainees annually. This program will be overseen by committee comprised of the two Principle Investigators and four Steering Committee Members, all of whom have strong track records and commitment to mentoring trainees.