Friday, December 27, 2024
12/27/2024
Abstract/Program Summary The mission of the T32 Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) at UTSA is to recruit, train and graduate a diverse group of doctoral students in multidisciplinary areas of molecular, cell biology, biochemistry and pathology, utilizing both microbe- and disease-focused research, while providing excellent career development, and mentoring with the highest level of institutional commitment and support. UTSA is a Carnegie R1/Hispanic Serving Institution with the proud distinction of awarding the second-highest number of doctoral degrees to Hispanic students. Our specific aims include. Specific Aim 1: Provide interdisciplinary training across areas of Host-Pathogen Interactions (HPI), Immunology (IMM), Genomics (GEN), and Disease Intervention and Vaccines (DIV), with a rigorous curriculum and innovative, collaborative research opportunities to a diverse group of predoctoral trainees. Specific Aim 2: Cultivate a collegial and collaborative training environment that emphasizes belonging and developing skills in professional networking, leadership, scientific writing, and oral communication. Specific Aim 3: Implement evidence-based approaches to enhance recruitment, retention, and comprehensive preparation in professional development, technical skills, and scientific rigor and design. Currently, the doctoral program trains 21 students, and the T32 program will act as a catalyst to enhance career development, leadership, and networking, supported by diverse research opportunities. With 25 diverse preceptors from UTSA and Texas Biomedical Research Institute, we plan to increase UR recruitment and retention, decreasing time to degree and increasing the doctoral program's size to at least 40 students in the next five years. Three Ph.D. students will be supported in years 1 and 2 and four trainees in years 3-5 of the T32 grant, with institutional funding for the remainder of the training program. Strong institutional commitment includes Graduate School support to fully fund three additional students for the first 5 years of the program. Training in career development, responsible conduct of research, mentoring, and health wellness are integrated within the curriculum and required activities to build rigor in research while supporting an environment of belonging, equity, inclusivity, and science identity. Retention strategies include frequent monitoring of student performance, open communication, constructive feedback, and team-mentoring approaches to reach critical milestones, to be captured in the Graduate School mandated Annual Review/Individual Development Plan. Ably mentored by internationally renowned faculty researchers, a 3- member multiple team of faculty will provide oversight and expertise in the discipline and in building strong professional development plans to support the success of students from diverse backgrounds. The T32 program leverages institutional resources for administrative management, with partnerships in place to provide trainees with additional career and professional training and advising from the UTSA Graduate School, the Career Center, Wellbeing Services, Leadership & Volunteer Services, and the Office of Research Integrity.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).