Current Training Grants

Post-Baccalaureate

Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

To apply contact: Brad Elwood, prep@musc.edu

Objective of Grant: Post-baccalaureate Research Education Programs are funded by the NIH at selected universities around the United States with the goal of increasing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce, which in turn will be better equipped to address and reduce health disparities.

Pre-Doctoral

Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Program (NIH/NIGMS)

Principal Investigator: Cynthia Wright, Ph.D., wrightcf@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The goals of this program are to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences and prepare them for successful careers as research scientists. 

Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Sciences Training Program: Developing the skills and expertise needed for a changing biomedical landscape

Principal Investigator: Paula Traktman, Ph.D., traktman@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The experimental toolkit available to contemporary scientists is extraordinary, permitting rapid experimentation with previously unknown precision and innovation. In essence, however, the principles that underlie scientific inquiry remain unchanged. Our new Ph.D. training program in Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Sciences seeks to blend these foundational principles with state-of-the-art research and the opportunity to develop a breadth of skills and explore diverse career options. The grant will support four first-year and four second-year students.

Central to our new training program is the commitment to educate a diverse population of students to conduct science in a rigorous, reproducible, creative and ethical manner. Our curriculum will emphasize the ability to think critically, build and test models and hypotheses, and understand the essential principles of experimental design. Biomedical science is an empirical discipline, and our students must understand the strengths and limitations of contemporary and classical methodologies. The ability to critically analyze data is essential, as is competency with quantitative methods and statistical analysis. We want to ensure that our trainees can work effectively in diverse groups and are skilled at communicating with various audiences. In addition to coursework and a deep immersion in a research laboratory, our trainees will participate in two (out of four) enrichment tracks focused on Communication, Community Engagement and Advocacy, Education, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

As they pursue their dissertation research, our studies will participate in various career development activities that introduce them to a breadth of future opportunities within and beyond academe. As a result, they will be truly prepared to make important contributions within the changing landscape of contemporary biomedical science.

SCTR TL1 (T32) Predoctoral Clinical & Translational Research Training Program

Principal Investigator: Carol Feghali-Bostwick Ph.D., feghalib@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The NIH-funded predoctoral training program is designed to increase the number of well-trained translational researchers who also will assume leadership roles. The program is designed for Ph.D. and dual degree candidates with a strong interest in clinical & translational research careers. The training program will provide early exposure and appropriate training in clinical research methodology, the application of cutting-edge technology to clinical research, and address pipeline issues by stimulating interest from doctoral students in health- and disease-related disciplines. The program combines rigorous research experiences with a complementary didactic curriculum with a team science approach.

Training Program for Medical Scientists (NIH/NIGMS)

Principal Investigator: Nancy Klauber Demore, M.D., FACS demore@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The goal of this program is to train physician-scientists to become leaders in academic medicine by providing in-depth training in how to synthesize the knowledge of basic science gained through research with clinical observation and experience gained during professional training. The ultimate goal is to produce trained professionals who chose a life-long career in biomedical research leading to the translation of fundamental discoveries into improved health care delivery.

Pre & Post-Doctoral 

Drug Abuse Training Program (NIH/NIDA)

Principal Investigator: Jacqueline McGinty, Ph.D., mcginty@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The goals of this training program are to produce well-rounded individuals 1) who are knowledgeable about the basic science and clinical aspects of substance abuse; 2) who are familiar with treatment strategies, and 3) who are trained to appreciate and conduct independent research in the area of substance use, abuse and dependence.

Training in Craniofacial & Oral Health Research (T-COHR)

Principal Investigator: Hai Yao Ph.D., yaoh@musc.edu

Objective of grant: The overarching objective of the training program is to train an interdisciplinary cadre of talented investigators for careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial science. Training activities are thematically grouped in four strategic areas of research focus: (1) infection and immunity, (2) oral and systemic health, (3) oral cancer, and (4) regenerative medicine/bioengineering.

Training in Alcohol Treatment Research (NIH/NIAAA)

Principal Investigator: John Woodward, Ph.D., woodward@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The overall goal of this program is to produce scientists knowledgeable in the field of substance abuse to conduct independent substance abuse research. A multidisciplinary mentor-apprenticeship model is used, and training is complemented by seminars on substance abuse, neurosciences, grant writing, statistics, ethics, and exposure to treatment strategies.

Post-Doctoral Only

Integrative Training in Oncogenic Signaling (ITOS) Program (NIH/NCI)

Principal Investigator: Philip Howe, Ph.D.

Objective of Grant: The Hollings Cancer Center seeks applications for the NCI-funded Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Training Grant’s (T32) Integrative Training in Oncogenic Signaling (ITOS) Program. The goals of the program are to provide five postdoctoral trainees with proactive mentoring, oversight, and research training in cutting-edge methodology; to develop useful academic and essential career development skills; to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary interactions with faculty and other trainees; and to provide exposure to current cancer research discoveries and how these are being translated into novel approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The ITOS Program, led by an outstanding cadre of program Faculty, offers distinct experiences and opportunities only afforded to the selected ITOS Fellows.

Health Services Research/Academic Generalist Fellowship Program

Program Director: William T. Basco, M.D., bascob@musc.edu 

Objective of Grant: The program is designed to prepare physicians, post-doctoral nurses, and pharmacists for productive academic careers as educators and as investigators in Health Services Research.

T32 Program in Pulmonary Focused Foundations in Innovation and Scholarship (PUFFINS)

Objective of Grant: The Pulmonary Focused Foundations in Innovation and Scholarship program is designed to ensure that the next generation of investigators have the skillsets needed to improve the healthcare and outcomes for individuals with lung diseases with particular emphasis on lung cancer prevention, screening and implementation, critical care, and rare lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and cystic fibrosis (CF).

Short Term Training Grants

Research Education Program for Minority Medical Students (REPMMS) (NIH/NHLBI)

Principal Investigator: Paul McDermott, Ph.D., mcdermp@musc.edu

Objective of Grant: The goal of the REPMMS is to introduce medical students in the Flex Curriculum to clinical and biomedical research in cardiovascular biology by allowing them to work in a research environment under the guidance of an experienced investigator.

Short-Term Training for Minority Undergraduates (NIH/NHLBI)

Program Director: Cynthia Wright, Ph.D., wrightcf@musc.edu

Objective of Grant: The primary objective of this program is to provide a short-term (10 weeks) training experience for sixteen talented students in the area of cardiovascular function and disease. This research education opportunity will be provided to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, racial and ethnic minorities, and others who are underrepresented in biomedical research. The long-range goal is to increase the number of such students in health professions in cardiovascular biology through interest generated by exposure to a broad spectrum of research activities in this area.