Foundational Quantitative and Experimental Predoctoral Training Program in Neurosciences

About This Grant

Project Summary Today's biomedical challenges are complex, requiring truly innovative and interdisciplinary solutions. The Foundational Quantitative and Experimental Predoctoral Training in Neurosciences (FQuETPN) at the University of Washington (UW) will offer a multidisciplinary education in fundamental neuroscience that will nurture a close-knit group of first and second year predoctoral trainees who are equipped for success as the next generation of scientists in the biomedical workforce. Trainees will be encouraged not only to expand their technical and intellectual skills by partnering with their chosen faculty mentors, but also to take advantage of a broad range of educational experiences aimed at preparing them to attain their future career goals. Our program is organized around three interactive pillars: A Research Excellence Pillar will enrich, in significant and new ways, the research training of students with new training modules that ensure outstanding foundational training in ways that track the changing landscape of neuroscience research. The Quantitative Excellence Pillar will provide new opportunities for training in experimental design, statistical methodology, large scale data collection, high dimensional and computational analysis of neuroscience data. A Community and Professional Development Pillar will ensure that all fellows truly thrive in our program as they make new discoveries and transform to become leaders in their fields. A strategic combination of relational and transactional professional development activities will increase the likelihood that trainees will pursue academic and professional careers in neuroscience. The proposed program will stand on the shoulders of an existing, outstanding, neuroscience research community and graduate education program at UW, but will extend the training experience in several domains that focus on quantitative and experimental rigor and collaborative, interdisciplinary interactions. The FQuETPN curriculum includes essential courses from cellular neurobiology to cognition, supplemented with innovative professional development in grant writing, public speaking, bioethics, and navigating the neuroscience culture. In addition, the program will provide numerous activities that bring graduate students, postdocs, and faculty together to discuss current topics in neuroscience in an informal but focused setting that encourages students to express their opinions and ask questions. The training program will consist of six two- year, graduate student appointments. In each year, three 1st and three 2nd year students will be enrolled in the FQuETPN. Faculty mentors and a Student Advancement Committee oversee student progress, ensuring tailored guidance for success. Our training program will ensure that graduates are well-prepared for independent research and research-related careers in neuroscience.