Advanced Training in Translational Research and Clinical Target Discovery - Project Summary: T32 program aims to create multidisciplinary scientists with the knowledge to translate basic science into therapeutics, and to promote lifelong learning and agile thinking in rapidly changing professional fields. The new program will capitalize on existing strengths in basic pharmacology and drug discovery to build a vibrant training environment open to PhD students from across Drexel University’s College of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, including 5 departments, 5 PhD programs, the MD/PhD program, and 24 mentors with varied expertise and over $8.5 million in active yearly funding. Trainees will receive essential training in both traditional and modern pharmacology - such as a deep understanding of the nuanced molecular interactions that drive normal physiology and disease states, how this information is used to discover new drug targets, and how these approaches can complement work in their chosen field of study – along with real-world training opportunities that can be applied to a variety of career paths.T32 training will also include the chance to mentor young scientists, access to mentors in varied careers, and the opportunity to help shape the future of the program and US biomedical workforce. Faculty in the program will provide a comprehensive scientific and mentoring experience rooted in empathy to our trainees, based around our core strengths of target validation, drug discovery and development. We aspire to align educational outcomes, goals, and competencies for all learners and develop new ways to effectively connect trainees to society to promote scientific literacy and accelerate progress in biomedical research. We emphasize flexible, student directed learning supported by interdisciplinary approaches, thus enabling the next generation of scientists to create meaningful and rigorous contributions that ultimately benefits society and improves the lives of patients. It is the overarching goal of this T32 program to train students to translate basic science in their chosen field into the development of new therapeutics. To support this, the program will: 1) provide strong didactic training in pharmacology and drug discovery, 2) guide students to a varied set of career possibilities, 3) expose young scientists to research, drug discovery, business, entrepreneurship and community outreach, 4) nurture education in scientific rigor, 5) provide mentorship experience for T32 trainees, 6) enhance and improve faculty mentoring, 7) increase access to speakers and mentors from a variety of careers, and 8) improve science communication, service and civic engagement with the Philadelphia community. We implement highly effective evidence-informed approaches to graduate training and mentoring that keep pace with the rapid evolution of biomedical research and thereby prepare trainees for careers that impact health-related research needs of the nation.
