Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Molecular Biology in Burns and Trauma - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) training Program proposes to take primarily surgeons during the second or third year of their general residency programs, and expose them to two to four years of mentored research with highly productive basic science mentors focused on inflammation‐related topics. Four training positions are requested. The overall research program will focus on mastery of molecular biology, functional genomics and gene regulation, and in some cases applying artificial intelligence to this data, as it applies broadly to inflammation research. Although the bulk of the training program will be in the laboratory of an experienced research mentor, trainees will be expected to participate in didactic experiences that complement their research experience. Select trainees will have the opportunity to complete a Ph.D. program in the Graduate School in three to four years. Trainees can also participate in alternative advanced degrees (M.S., M.P.H.), or can complete graduate certificate programs which are formal collections of courses that together form a coherent program of study offered through an academic unit. This training program takes advantage of the unique strengths of the College of Medicine in the expanding field of personalized medicine, as well as the existing collaborations between basic scientists and clinicians committed to the training of future clinical academicians. The interface between molecular biology and inflammation research will be targeted to trauma, sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, burn and vascular injury pathology and patients who enter chronic critical illness. The faculty will be drawn from funded basic and clinical scientists with expertise or faculty appointments within and without the Department of Surgery who will serve as research mentors to the trainees. Clinical mentors will interact with the trainees and the research faculty to assure that the trainees are being exposed to clinically‐ important issues in inflammation research. Overall direction of the program will rest with the Program Director and an Executive Committee. Candidates for the fellowship are recruited nationally and from the University of Florida College of Medicine (Gainesville and Jacksonville). Successful applicants with the assistance of the Executive Committee will identify a research and clinical mentor who will help formulate a formal individual training program and periodic review of the trainee’s progress. Furthermore, trainees are expected to participate in basic science seminars in the Institute on Aging, Emerging Pathogens Institute and Genetics Institute, and in their own basic science departments, as well as laboratory research meetings. They will also be expected to attend clinical seminars, including Surgery and Critical Care Medicine Grand Rounds and the Department of Surgery Academic Research Conference. Based on our past experiences, it is anticipated that successful graduates of this training program will possess sufficient research skills to successfully compete for transitional funding in inflammation research and become leaders in academic surgery.
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).