Fuller T32 renewal

ABSTRACT The Interdisciplinary Training Program in Rehabilitation and Neuromuscular Plasticity (NMPT) at the University of Florida (UF) was initiated in 2003. The overall goal of the NMPT program is to train leaders who will enable a sustainable and cutting-edge rehabilitation science infrastructure in the United States. Towards this goal, the NMPT program recruits PhD students from UF PhD programs from across the biomedical science spectrum. Trainees include individuals with clinical rehabilitation degrees as well as basic scientists with a demonstrated interest in applying their work to rehabilitation and advancing human health. Our training program is unique in that it emphasizes the interaction and joint training of rehabilitation clinicians and basic science Trainees. The program capitalizes on existing UF strengths including a core of well-established rehabilitation investigators, outstanding research facilities, strong institutional commitment, and a culture of successful mentorship in rehabilitation. The NMPT program is a well-defined, closely monitored program with clearly established training objectives and an effective evaluation process. Upon entering the program, each Trainee prepares an individualized training plan under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor and Translational Research Co-Advisor. The individualized plan consists of a structured program with courses, journal clubs and seminars, laboratory research and multiple scientific dissemination experiences. Our well-defined management structure that includes a Program Director, Education Coordinator, a Translational Science Advisor, an Internal Steering Committee and an External Advisory Board. The program draws students from five PhD programs in the biomedical sciences, and our 30 NMPT faculty all have active research funding, and have appointments in multiple UF Colleges including Public Health and Health Professions, Medicine, Engineering, and Human Health and Performance. Our program also partners with UF Centers and Institutes including those devoted to movement disorders, muscle biology, cognitive aging and memory, and exercise science. Over the last funding cycle (2018- current), the NMPT program has supported 18 Trainees including physical therapists, speech-language therapists, and basic science trainees. We are proud that our current cohort of seven Trainees includes five individuals from underrepresented minority groups. The NMPT program is achieving our goal of training scientists capable of engaging in translational rehabilitation research and sustaining independently funded research programs.