Learning, Memory, and Plasticity (LaMP) Training Program

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Project Summary/Abstract. This is the first renewal application for our advanced predoctoral Training Program in Learning, Memory, and Plasticity (LaMP) at UC Davis. LaMP research at UC Davis is both broad and deep, spanning 6 schools and colleges and all of the major levels of research—cognitive, systems, cellular/molecular, and disease. The 48 Trainers selected from this community are highly collaborative and value interdisciplinary approaches to their research. Our innovative Program trains the next generation of neuroscientists to bridge the gaps between the major levels of LaMP research—cognitive, systems, cellular/molecular—in order to promote our understanding of LaMP disorders and reduce their tremendous burden on families, society, and public health. This renewal application for our 4-year-old program proposes to continue to support 6 advanced predoctoral Trainees per year, a size essential for creating a group that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, spans levels of analysis, and addresses both basic and translational research. Trainees from 8 participating graduate groups will be eligible to apply to the LaMP Training Program in Years 2 and 3 of their graduate training. The 1-year Training Program has 6 components. (1) Trainees will conduct research in at least one of the LaMP faculty labs and will be co-mentored by another trainer from a distinct area of LaMP research. (2a) Trainees will be exposed to the essential and emerging concepts in each of the fields of LaMP through a 2-quarter core course consisting of interactive lectures as well as lab-based immersion to give trainees the tools to understand the pros and cons of both the concepts and methods used at each level of analysis. Methods to enhance reproducibility will be addressed in every session. (2b) Trainees will also be exposed to LaMP disorders through a course consisting of didactic and interview/video sessions that span clinical, cognitive, systems and molecular aspects of each disease. (3) Trainees will receive targeted career development training through a weekly meeting with the Program Directors—emphasizing critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, presentation skills, formal discussion of research-related careers outside of academia, and pressing issues in the field such as data analysis, ethics, and reproducibility. (4) Trainees will receive extensive training in grant writing prior to submission of their NRSA or equivalent. (5) Trainees and Trainers will participate in a monthly meeting to bring the community together around networking opportunities within the NeuroCareer Pathways program as well as invited experts in the field. (6) Trainees will participate in an annual program retreat and attend an invited LaMP speaker series. Our Program also emphasizes participation in outreach and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and workshops. Through these elements, this advanced Training Program will produce a new, highly diverse generation of scientists who truly think across levels and scales and who have the skills, drive, and motivation to work collaboratively to tackle the most important issues in learning, memory, and plasticity in order to improve human health.