Friday, May 2, 2025
5/2/2025
Interdisciplinary Research Training at the Interface of Reproductive Sciences and Bioengineering - ABSTRACT The Training Program at the Interface of Reproductive Sciences and Bioengineering will unite two long-standing areas of research excellence on the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus—reproductive biology and engineering - to train predoctoral students to conduct innovative and high-quality research at the forefront of reproductive biology. This unique educational program will blend techniques from biological sciences and engineering to provide training in research areas that align with the mission of NICHD, and includes studies of germ cell development/meiosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function, spermatogenesis & fertilization, embryo-uterine crosstalk & pregnancy, and placentation & preterm birth. Engineering principles that present exciting opportunities to transform research in reproductive sciences are studies involving novel three- dimensional cell culture in natural or synthetic matrices and assembly of organoids to better understand the function and interaction of cells in reproductive tissues, mechanobiology to better understand the relationships between the microstructure, mechanical properties and function of the reproductive tissues, and innovations in diagnostic methods such as advanced imaging and biosensors to assess placental development and function during pregnancy. Twenty-four faculty members from 14 departments or interdisciplinary research institutes across 4 colleges will serve as preceptors for the Training Program, making this a truly interdisciplinary program. Participating faculty are well-funded and clearly have the necessary research support to provide current and future trainees excellent training opportunities. There are 50 federally funded research grants totaling over 8.6 million dollars/year in direct costs, and 5 grants from other sources totaling over half million dollars/year in direct costs among the 24 preceptors of this proposal. Trainees will be drawn from exceptionally strong graduate programs across various departments, which altogether have over 1,787 total predoctorates. Of these predoctorates, 103 work with the participating faculty, of which, 38 are eligible to participate in this training program. This will enable the program to select high-quality predoctorates, expose them to cutting-edge and emerging technologies that can advance progress in reproductive research, and train them to become the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders. Selection of the 6 predoctoral trainees supported by this Program is based on academic success, strength of the proposed research, and relevance of the research to Program goals. Training will include Curricular Activities to ensure breadth across disciplines. It will also focus on trainees’ professional development and prepare them with the skill set to succeed in their careers. This unique program, which enjoys strong institutional support and commitment, is designed to ensure that our trainees are fully equipped to meet the challenges required to succeed in any professional environment such as academia, industry, or government.
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).