Graduate Training in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology

Program Summary
The main objectives of Graduate Training in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (GTMCP) at the University of
Wisconsin (UW)-Madison are to provide predoctoral-level training in interdisciplinary research at the forefront of
quantitative and systems pharmacology and a nucleus around which interdepartmental faculty, students, and
scientists from across campus can meet and collaborate. Its overall mission is to provide a highly diverse group
of trainees with the skills necessary to enter careers related to the Pharmacological Sciences in academia,
industry, government, science education, and public policy. Discovering new approaches to drug delivery and
developing novel drugs as therapeutics are cornerstones of the program, with a major emphasis on
understanding pathways that are relevant to disease. To accomplish these goals, the curriculum focuses on
delivering foundational knowledge in Pharmacology, including mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetics,
and pharmacodynamics, stressing quantitative thinking and the value of -omic technologies. Carefully evaluated
coursework centered on the importance of rigor and reproducibility, responsible conduct of research, safety
within the laboratory, and grant writing promote the development of trained PhD scientists who can contribute to
the biomedical research workforce. A core group of 29 dedicated faculty trainers has been assembled for this
application, representing 10 departments, whose interests focus on understanding molecular, cellular, and
physiological mechanisms by which drugs or natural ligands interact with cellular receptors and elicit effects in
biological systems. All trainers have robust research programs and were selected based on a demonstrated
commitment to mentoring graduate students in Pharmacology. Faculty members work in the interdisciplinary
areas of Neuropharmacology, Cancer Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Endocrine Pharmacology,
and Immunopharmacology, and collaborate extensively with one another to create a highly interactive network.
Each trainer has received extensive mentor training and understands the importance of strong mentor-mentee
relationships in establishing an inclusive and supportive research environment. GTMCP leverages strong
institutional support and substantial resources to facilitate the professional development of its trainees. Through
its well-funded seminar series, all trainees are provided regular opportunities to develop excellent oral
presentation skills and invite outside faculty speakers from top institutions across the country. Research retreats
and symposia offer additional opportunities for students to host and interact with prominent members of the
Pharmacology community and develop networking skills. GTMCP also boasts considerable trainee diversity, a
high retention rate, a rapid time to degree, and an excellent record of trainee publications. Ten slots to support
trainees for two years of their early graduate education are requested based on the growing demand for PhD-
level scientists trained in Pharmacology and the high quality of students that apply to UW-Madison.

Grant Number: 5T32GM141013-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Anjon Audhya