Research Training in Cardiovascular Biology at Meharry

This is the fifth renewal of an NHLBI-supported Program in Cardiovascular Biology at Meharry Medical College (MMC). The program provides a specialized and coherent framework for advanced training in cardiovascular biology, leveraging the multi-departmental research strengths at MMC and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUMC). The proposed program will support four pre-doctoral trainees per year and will involve 24 faculty members across both institutions. Four graduate programs at MMC and five departments/divisions/programs at VUMC will participate in this training initiative. Research training will focus on cardiovascular biology using cutting-edge scientific approaches to elucidate mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and hematologic diseases. The program is structured to provide comprehensive oversight and support through a multi-tiered administrative framework. Leadership is coordinated by a central team that includes the Principal Investigator/Program Director, Associate Directors from Meharry Medical College (MMC) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), and guidance from an Executive Committee, a Student Advisory Committee, and an External Advisory Committee. Trainees are matched with an MMC advisor and a VUMC mentor from the core faculty based on aligned research interests in cardiovascular biology. This dual-mentorship model facilitates the development of individualized research plans and fosters cross-institutional collaboration. Trainees engage in didactic coursework at MMC and VUMC and participate in hands-on research within mentor laboratories at both institutions. Program-wide activities include a seminar series featuring internal and external speakers, annual retreats, work-in-progress presentations, and journal clubs, all designed to enhance scientific communication and deepen expertise in cardiovascular biology. The program aims to provide rigorous training in molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology related to cardiovascular diseases, enhance skills in scientific publication and grantsmanship, and prepare trainees for careers in biomedical research aligned with the mission of the NHLBI. These objectives are supported by the expanding collaborative research and training opportunities fostered through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance.