Research Training in Physiological Adaptations to Stress

PROJECT SUMMARY The primary goal of this training program entitled “Research Training in Physiological Adaptations to Stress” (PAS) is to provide a new generation of future scientists with authentic interdisciplinary training and educational experiences that emphasize a translational approach to understanding the physiological mechanisms which mediate organismal stress adaptation. Key aspects of the new PAS program include using the One Health interdisciplinary public health framework as a lens for solving human health and disease problems, better integration of entrepreneurial principles to develop a discovery mindset, and applying with fidelity principles of rigor and reproducibility. Familiarity with opportunities and challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence is another key innovation, which we view as a training imperative to prepare our trainees for the 21st century workforce. Value added training in entrepreneurship using a boot camp approach, and team process through the Penn State MBA program will facilitate discovery. Graduate students presently encounter little formal training in regulatory science, and the inter-disciplinary curriculum we propose will better prepare our students for emerging academic and nonacademic biomedical careers. An understanding of the business, legal and regulatory issues which shape key milestones in the biomedical science pathway, and the ability to work in diverse teams will allow our trainees to be leaders of innovation. Here, rigorous research design and core competencies necessary for effective communication are also emphasized. The training program takes advantage of existing faculty biomedical expertise in four academic colleges who have amassed an impressive training record while maintaining research excellence, with an overall time to the PhD of 5 years with little attrition. We propose selection of 5 students per year for a period of two years (total of 24 trainees). Additional institutional matching funds will allow for the training of 7.5 additional trainees. The institutional commitment to our training program is outstanding. A foundational course entitled “Physiological Adaptations to Stress” has been designed specifically for the training program, and will serve as a capstone experience to emphasize program goals using multiple levels of scientific inquiry (cells to human). Defining a new conceptual framework for hypothesis-driven research to inform mechanisms of stress adaptation within a rich academic environment with dedicated mentoring, strong research support and institutional commitment is proposed. We envision trainees will continue to participate in program activities at the conclusion of their tenure as a T32 Fellow.