VIsion Science Training in Atlanta

ABSTRACT This T32 program, entitled “VIsion Science Training in Atlanta”: (VISTA), is an interdisciplinary predoctoral and postdoctoral training program. The goal of VISTA is to deliver a comprehensive, translational training program focused on development, health, and disease of the visual system, thereby training the next generation of leaders in vision research. The program draws on a long history of ground-breaking research, incorporating modern elements from clinical and basic research to address major vision issues, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, amblyopia, uveitis, retinoblastoma, retinopathy of prematurity, and ocular drug delivery. The program leverages our long-standing successes in research and education across our Atlanta Vision Research Community (AVRC) which includes Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Atlanta VA Healthcare System. Integral to VISTA is the incorporation of training by experts in multiple disciplines across the campuses, including engineering, molecular biology, genetics, psychology, chemistry, biology, artificial intelligence, and physiology. Our program is designed so that our trainees attain proficiency in advanced research techniques and have an understanding of the impact of vision impairment on health and quality of life. They are guided to conduct innovative research into disease pathophysiology and, more importantly, to develop robust interventions and treatments for ocular disease. The program supports 3 predoctoral and 1 postdoctoral trainees across five PhD programs: Emory Neuroscience, Georgia Tech-Emory joint BME, Georgia Tech Bioengineering, Emory Psychology, and Georgia Tech Chemistry. VISTA trainees are typically supported for 1-2 years. We have mentored over 240 pre- and post-doctoral trainees in the last 10 years. Our program has several key features that provide specialized vision research training: 1) the Biology of the Eye course, 2) Tuesday Morning Data Sessions, 3) Vision Research Seminars, and 4) Vision Science P30 Core services. In addition, VISTA provides trainees with opportunities for professional development, community outreach activities, and community-building with peers through the Society for Emerging Eye Researchers (SEERs). As our trainees graduate, our aspiration is for them to be trailblazers in vision research.