T32 Training Grant in Translational Immunology

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This new T32 program is designed to provide a rigorous training program in translational immunology for 2 pre-doctoral and one post-doctoral candidate. It will recruit a diverse cadre of young scientists to careers in immune disease-focused investigation and equip them for success. An increasing awareness of the role of the immune system in multiple diseases, coupled with technologic advances that allow analysis of microscopic quantities of human specimens have fueled exponential growth in the exploration and understanding of human immunopathologic conditions. Nevertheless, effective therapies for many immune disorders are still lacking. Highly motivated individuals completing training programs in immunology, particularly physician-scientists, are needed to enable rigorous and creative advances in biomedical research that will enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and suggest strategies to improve the outcome of patients with immune disorders. Our proposal engages 21 mentors at all career levels and is built around 4 areas of scientific excellence in immunology: 1) Autoimmunity; 2) Neuroimmune inflammation; 3) Tissue injury, inflammation and innate immunity and 4) Tumor immunology. In each area, our faculty investigate disease mechanisms using specimens from well-established clinical cohorts and biorepositories and perform human- relevant studies that range from focused studies in model organisms to clinical trials of novel therapies. Specific aims are: 1. To recruit trainees who are diverse with respect to demographics, experience and interests; 2. To provide a multi-disciplinary “toolbox” curriculum needed for a successful career in human and translational investigation; 3. To teach trainees how to conduct creative, rigorous and ethical independent research that is driven by observations in human disease and that uses state of the art technologies to generate and test new hypotheses related to immune mediated diseases; 4. To engage faculty, students and our advisory committee in an ongoing self-evaluation process that will foster the continued growth and improvement of our training program; 5. To mentor and create a new generation of translational immunologists who will collaboratively tackle research problems linked to improving clinical outcomes of patients with immune- mediated diseases. By combining existing courses that are part of the established infrastructure of the Elmezzi Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University-Northwell Health with new curricular elements designed for this training program, including programs in leadership, conflict resolution, resilience and more, we can provide an enriched and motivating experience for our trainees. In this fashion we will develop physician- scientists and translational investigators who are focused on human disease and equipped with a broad understanding of immunology, modern technologies and the resilience to persevere.