MMI-T32 Training Pre-doctoral Scientists in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at UTSA - The mission of the T32 Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) at the University of Texas at Antonio is to recruit, train and graduate 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. 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 predoctoral trainees. Specific Aim 2: Cultivate a collegial and collaborative training environment that develops 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. Our goal is to increase pre-doctoral recruitment and retention, decreasing time to degree with three Ph.D. students 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 research rigor are integrated within the curriculum and required activities. 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. 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 Graduate School, the Career Center, and the Office of Research Integrity.
