Training Interdisciplinary Scientists for Functional Cure of Diabetes

 在这个R25提案中，我们的目标是指导和培训未来一代糖尿病研究和治疗领域的跨学科科学家和工程师。糖尿病是一种使人衰弱的疾病，在美国影响2580万人，每年花费超过1800亿美元。与UIC荣誉学院，生物工程系和外科系合作，该培训计划是一个非学术学分，为期十周的多学科本科生暑期实习计划。该计划在以下方面是独一无二的：（i）完善的培训讲座，涵盖基础和先进的糖尿病研究课题，新兴生物技术，临床转化策略，基础科学技术和知识的熟练程度，以及周到的职业发展计划;（ii）一个具体的研究主题被纳入该计划，重点是如何改善胰岛移植，一种有前途的基于细胞的治疗I型糖尿病的最终目标是为糖尿病带来功能性治疗;（iii）培训得到了一系列独特的多学科导师的充分支持，他们拥有共同的研究兴趣; ㈣翻译和临床方向的框架使参与者有机会解决“现实世界”的问题，并在临床环境中应用新的创新; ㈤科学贡献的良好记录、导师的有力合作研究以及组织类似教育方案的丰富经验，将使关键培训部分与有效的行政管理更加有效和简单地结合起来;以及（vi）该计划与UIC的承诺产生共鸣，通过部门合作为本科生提供优质教育，拥抱校园的多样性，并加强临床专业知识和工程专业知识之间的研究合作。UIC一直致力于招募和培养URM学员。参与的学院和部门都有完善的计划和策略来招募合格的本科生参加这个项目。参与的导师有坚定的承诺和足够的实验室设施和资金，为参与者提供获得最高质量研究经验的机会。.

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this R25 proposal, our aim is to mentor and train future generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers in the field of diabetes research and treatment. Diabetes is a debilitating disease affecting 25.8 million in the United States at a cost of over $180 billion annually. In partnership with the UIC Honors College, Department of Bioengineering, and Department of Surgery, this training program is a non-academic credit, ten- week multidisciplinary summer internship program for undergraduates. The program is unique in the following: (i) well-established training lectures covering basics and advanced diabetes research topics, emerging biotechnology, clinical translational strategies, proficiency in basic science techniques and knowledge, and thoughtful career development plan; (ii) a specific research theme is integrated into the program that focuses on how to improve islet transplantation, a promising cell-based therapy for Type I diabetes with an ultimate goal to bring a functional cure for diabetes; (iii) the training is fully supported by a unique array of multidisciplinary mentors who share common research interests; (iv) the framework of the translational and clinical orientation gives participants the opportunity to solve "real-world" problems and apply novel innovations in a clinical setting; (v) a proven record of scientific contribution, strong collaborative research of mentors, and ample experience of organizing similar educational programs will allow for a more efficient and simplistic integration of the key training components and effective administrative management; and (vi) the program resonates with UIC's commitment to provide excellent education for undergraduates through department partnership, to embrace diversity at campus, and to strength research collaboration between clinical expertise and engineering expertise. UIC has consistently proven their drive and commitment to recruit and cultivate URM trainees. The participant college and departments have well-established plans and strategies to recruit qualified undergraduates for this program. The participating mentors have strong commitment and adequate laboratory facility and funding to provide participants the opportunity to obtain the highest quality of research experience. .