Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases Training Grant

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Enhanced training in infectious disease-related research is critical for the generation of new knowledge that can be applied to the treatment and prevention of clinical problems. In this long-standing training program, Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases (MBID), we focus on the development of microbiologists with the skills to advance our understanding of molecular biology, microbiology, bacterial and fungal pathogens, and host-microbe interactions, and the ability to recognize opportunities for translation of that information into clinical applications. The purpose of the MBID T32 is to 1) provide an optimal environment for training new scientists in the latest concepts and techniques in microbiological research; 2) enhance the understanding among young scientists of current challenges in clinical infectious diseases; and 3) teach critical thinking skills that prepare students for research careers in which they contribute to and influence research efforts that lead to effective solutions for important infectious disease problems. The 21 diverse faculty members participating in the renewal of this predoctoral training grant are from five partner and neighboring institutions: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University and Institute of Biosciences and Technology of Texas A&M University. Our faculty have a record of high research productivity, extensive collaborations, investigator-initiated NIH funding, and graduate student and postdoctoral fellow training. They have mentored 80 predoctoral trainees during the past ten years, and currently are mentoring 47 PhD students. The training program includes a core curriculum that draws upon relevant courses at participating institutions, intensive and interactive research experiences, monthly MBID meetings, annual retreats, weekly seminars and journal clubs, career and professional development activities, interaction with underrepresented summer undergraduate students, and participation in infectious disease grand rounds. The MBID faculty have a strong track record in the recruitment, training, and career advancement of underrepresented groups. For the next grant period, enhancement of the successful MBID predoctoral training with an improved curriculum, additional training faculty, and the addition of a predoc– postdoc mentoring program are proposed. The training program will undergo regular evaluations by external experts and adjustments made to the program as needed. MBID takes advantage of the strong research and mentoring expertise of its faculty and the educational activities already in place and to leverage all the available resources to train the next generation of scientists focused on tackling pressing infectious disease and public health issues. The highly collaborative environment provides the perfect opportunity for trainees to acquire the skills, expertise and intellectual abilities to foster innovative research and prepare them for careers in which they contribute to effective solutions for important infectious disease problems.