Molecular Genetics of Basic Cell Function

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This program will support five predoctoral trainees per year in an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental training program based in the Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University, in its 46th year of funding. Trainees will be selected from a strong pool of predoctoral PhD and MD-PhD students in their 2nd and 3rd year based on merit and commitment to an in-depth training in genetics, as evidenced by their thesis research and outstanding records of academic and research achievement. This program focuses on genetic analysis across bacteria, viruses, fungi, Drosophila, and higher eukaryotes, with the goal of understanding fundamental aspects of cellular growth and differentiation across all kingdoms of life. Interdisciplinary methods are at the center of student research. The program stresses the intellectual rigor of the formal genetic approach while stipulating that the deductions from genetic experiments be tested at the biochemical and molecular level. Our faculty of 21 from six different departments forms a core of exceptional scientists whose hallmark is their commitment to mentorship. They bring both breadth and depth to opportunities for student thesis research across various experimental systems and molecular genetic techniques. In addition to their strong research records, they bring an outstanding track record of mentoring predoctoral students; 90% of their prior trainees are active members of the biomedical workforce. To strengthen student experience and support across this scientific breadth, the program offers a unique multidisciplinary co-mentorship model that also builds the understanding of collaborative research essential for contemporary biomedical research and takes advantage of complementary strengths at the Arts, Sciences and Engineering campus; School of Veterinary Medicine; and the Genetics program at the Jackson Laboratory. Students’ learning is further enhanced through several career development and preparedness activities designed specifically for this cohort, including one that introduces students to and prepares them for careers in the biotechnology industry. These experiences rely on targeted career advising infrastructure, including an Individual Development Plan, career development workshops, and industry internships for career exploration. Underlying all our training is our graduate school’s ongoing mission of training for career excellence through methods and experiences designed to reinforce research rigor and reproducibility practices.

Grant Number: 5T32GM139772-04
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Andrew Camilli