Multidisciplinary Training in Microbial Pathogenesis

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The UCLA Microbial Pathogenesis Training Grant (MPTG) is an integrated research training program in the biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics of microbial pathogens and host-pathogen interactions. The program's goal is to train scientists to conduct research in microbial pathogenesis using molecular, cellular, genetic, immunological, genomic, proteomic and “post-omic” approaches. Our training faculty includes 26 preceptors with broad ranging, related research interests in bacteriology, parasitology, virology, and immunology. Preceptors have excellent publication, funding and training records. The program is currently in its 35th year of funding. MPTG is small, with five predoctoral and two postdoctoral funded positions; yet it plays a vital role in educating PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, not limited to trainees, in the field of microbial pathogenesis. Most predoctoral trainees are recruited through the Graduate Program in Biosciences (GPB) which provides an excellent pool of 406 predoctoral students on average yearly. Approximately 25% of GPB PhD students are interested in microbiology, immunology and host:pathogen interactions. Our faculty are also highly successful in attracting qualified postdoctoral fellows, having a mean of 15 postdoctoral fellows eligible for support per year. Trainees are selected for funding on a competitive basis, after a thorough review of their accomplishments. Progress is reviewed throughout the year and appointments are competitively renewed yearly with a maximum of three years of support for predoctoral trainees and two years for postdoctoral trainees. The program requires the completion of coursework focused on microbial pathogenesis, annual presentations of trainee research in symposia attended by all trainees and preceptors, and participation in a Microbial Pathogenesis seminar series composed of external, preeminent scientists in the field. Trainees also participate in a journal club focused on host:pathogen interactions and newly emerging infectious agents. These journal clubs are jointly facilitated by training preceptors and trainees and serve to broaden trainee exposure to the multidisciplinary field of microbial pathogenesis and cutting-edge technologies. New components of the training program in this funding period include community outreach and underrepresented student lab mentoring requirements. Participation in courses devoted to ethics and accountability in biomedical research, rigor & reproducibility, scientific writing and mentoring courses are also required. Development of career objectives guided by “My Individual Development Plan (IDP)” is also required. Postdoctoral trainees also participate in the PhD Career Training Series and research-related career focused workshops. Career counseling by the program director and training grant advisory committee is emphasized. Annual research presentations at national meetings and UCLA retreats are expected. The focal point of our training program is excellence in research. Several mechanisms are in place to monitor and facilitate trainee progress in research and career development. Our past training efforts have been highly successful and continued success is anticipated following the plan described in this proposal.