Neuroscience Research, Training and Professional Development in Puerto Rico

描述（由申请人提供）：我们的主要目标是通过在波多黎各建立一个强大的神经科学中心来促进多样性，该中心将通过一个集研究、研究生教育、本科生参与和职业指导为一体的项目来培养西班牙裔美国神经科学家。在过去的十年里，中央加勒比大学（UCC）的神经科学研究有了显著的发展，我们现在的定位是将UCC的神经科学提升到一个新的水平，一个由持续卓越的基础研究、转化研究的增长、与大陆顶尖大学的合作、对少数群体学生的多学科培训以及促进这些人的专业发展所定义的水平。这项工作的核心将是一个最先进的神经科学研究所

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Our major goal is to advance diversity by creating a strong neuroscience center in Puerto Rico that will develop Hispanic American neuroscientists through a program that integrates research, graduate education, undergraduate engagement, and career guidance. Neuroscience research at Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) has grown significantly over the last decade, and we are now are positioned to bring neuroscience at UCC to the next level, one defined by continued excellence in basic research, growth in translational research, collaborations with top mainland universities, multidisciplinary training o students from underrepresented minority groups, and fostering professional development in these individuals. At the core of this effort will be a state-of-the-art Institute for Neuroscience that integrates high performance in basic and translational research with educational programs and ongoing mentoring of students and young faculty. The specific objectives of our program are to: 1) increase diversity and develop excellence in neuroscience research in Puerto Rico, and 2) provide first-rate training in neuroscience research and career development guidance for faculty, graduate students, medical students, and undergraduates that are Hispanic Americans and often from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our research program is focused on the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection against stroke, thus creating a bridge between basic and translational research on neuronal mechanisms. The proposed research program creates a multi-university cross-disciplinary network of neuroscientists that will facilitae mentoring relationships, amplify scientific synergism, and at the same time broaden the research focus of every member of the group as well as bridge basic and translational research. Building on a foundation grounded in an interdisciplinary, collaborative research network and research program addressing health-related problems through basic and translational neuroscience, we will develop a comprehensive training and mentoring program that serves both faculty and students. By creating a strong and efficient training and mentoring center in neuroscience on the Island of Puerto Rico that serves Hispanic Americans, the proposed program has the potential to significantly promote workforce diversity in the U.S.