Vermont Immunology / Infectious Diseases Training Grant

Abstract/Summary In this application, we propose to build upon the highly successful multidisciplinary training program in microbiology, immunology and infectious disease we have developed at the University of Vermont over the past 14 years. The goal of the Vermont Immunobiology and Infectious Disease (VI2D) training program, which supports four predoctoral students per year, is to produce outstanding independent biomedical scientists who are equipped to study infectious disease mechanisms, prevention, and treatment. To date, we have had 19 trainees, 13 of whom have completed their PhDs in an average of 5.3 years; the other six are still in training. Our trainees have published an average of 5.7 papers from their doctoral research (2.6 as first author) and have been included on nine patents. Eleven of the 19 trainees have been women (58%), and five (26%) have been from groups underrepresented in the scientific workforce. Importantly, all 13 of our graduates continue to pursue careers in science or medicine. The average duration of T32 support has been 2.4 years, with a maximum of 3, and the trainees have been distributed broadly among our 16 Faculty Mentors. The mentors include a mix of basic, translational, and clinical researchers, with 12 Ph.D., one Ph.D./D.V.M., and three M.D. faculty members. These training faculty are well funded (total current annual extramural support of $10.6 million), highly collaborative, and have a strong, demonstrated commitment to mentoring and graduate education. At the core of the intellectual environment supporting the program are this engaged group of Faculty Mentors, the graduate program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences (CMB), and two vibrant Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence funded by NIH COBRE grants: the Vermont Center for Immunobiology and Infectious Disease and the Translational Global Infectious Diseases Research Center. Institutional support for the training program is exceptional. Training grant-eligible applicants are drawn from the rich pool of students in the CMB Program and undergo a rigorous selection process before being appointed to the training grant. The VI2D program has been designed to give our trainees a deep understanding of the basic science underpinnings of immunology and microbial pathogenesis. In addition, and new to the program going forward, our trainees will a) gain real-world exposure to clinical aspects of infectious and immunological disease, through our “Clinical Connection” program that fosters interaction between the trainees and clinicians, and b) become better prepared to function as effective research scientists through training in key aspects of the “Practice of Science,” including effective communication skills, team building, career development, and personal wellness. A detailed plan for regular internal and external evaluation of the program will enable us to continuously evolve and improve the training experience. The integrated, well-resourced, multidisciplinary training plan proposed in this application will provide our trainees with a rich set of skills, tools, and experiences that will serve as excellent preparation for a successful career in infectious disease research.