Atlanta Network for Training In KUH Scientific Research (ATLANTIS)

Recognizing that pre- and postdoctoral fellows (Ph.D. and M.D.) need a flexible and multi-disciplinary training
program, the ATLANTIS program is designed to promote individualized training of the next generation of KUH
researchers in the Atlanta area. As the Ph.D. and M.D. research workforce grows and the career landscape
changes, training and guidance in career planning are required for success. The Professional Development
Core, TL1 Training Core, and Network Core will collaboratively prepare trainees to develop their individualized
career training plan and the leadership skills necessary to lead their own future KUH research team (Aim 1). To
promote refinement of their career plans and development of the skills necessary for success, trainees will be
required to meet annually with career counselors and participate in career development activities. These
activities include formal training in biostatistics, communications (written, oral, and social media), grant writing,
and career planning. To lead future KUH research teams with members from diverse training backgrounds,
team management and executive leadership training are needed. Based on the NIGMS identified areas of
executive training needed for biomedical research, the Emory Office of Postdoctoral Education and Goizueta
Business School developed the STEM Leadership and STEM Team Management certificate courses that focus
on the development of leadership and team management skills. While scholars can take more, they will be
required to take a minimum of 10 workshop hours, choosing from any STEM certificate course (four in Year 2
and six in Year 3). Through ATLANTIS-Connect in the Network Core, trainees will gain experience in maintaining
a professional presence on social media and network success. While the research mentor is a key component
in trainee career planning, they may have limited formal training in effective mentoring or strategies to create a
conducive and supportive learning environment. To promote effective mentoring that addresses trainee needs
as they develop their individual research careers and become an independent KUH researcher, mentors will be
required to attend mentor training courses through the Atlanta Society of Mentors; Faculty Development Lecture
Series; training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and training in Preventing Sexual Harassment (Aim 2). To
promote an effective mentoring dialogue, the mentor and trainee are expected to develop a ‘contract’ that
includes research and professional development goals plus strategies and timelines for achieving those goals.
In summary, collaborative dynamic interactions between the TL1 Training Core, the Network Core, the
Professional Development Core, and research mentors, each scholar will have the freedom to shape and
individualize their research experiences as well as their opportunities for career and professional development.
With this background training, the ATLANTIS scholars (Ph.D. and M.D.) will be better prepared to navigate their
research careers as the research workforce grows and the career landscape changes as well as become better
KUH leaders, managers, and mentors, independent of their research setting.

Grant Number: 5U2CDK129501-04
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Lou Ann Brown