# Post Graduate Program in Cutaneous Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $188,156

## Abstract

This post-doctoral fellowship program is designed to provide a rich environment of strong science and
outstanding mentorship in which junior scientists, particularly dermatologist-scientists, can learn to be
independent researchers with a focus on cutaneous biology. We have assembled a team of Primary Mentors
(noted scientists focused on cutaneous biology who serve as the main laboratory mentors) and other top
Northwestern faculty with cutting-edge skills and recognized mentoring skills (Resource Faculty) who together
serve as the 4-5 member mentor team for each trainee. While several of our senior Mentors are from the
Department of Dermatology, others who perform cutaneous research have a primary appointment in other
departments (Biomedical Engineering, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Material Science and
Engineering, Medicine/ Allergy-Immunology, Pulmonary and Critical Care, and Rheumatology, Microbiology
and Immunology, Molecular Biosciences, Pathology). Six major areas of research concentration are available
to trainees: (i) Bioengineering and nanotechnology; (ii) Epithelial-mesenchymal communication and epithelial
differentiation; (iii) Genomics/epigenomics; (iv) Immunology; (v) Metabolism; and (vi) Wound healing/skin
regeneration. In addition to “in lab training”, a major focal point of the program centers in educational
enrichment activities. Trainees attend and participate in a wide variety of seminars that dove-tail with the six
areas of research focus, as well as the “Bench to Bedside” lecture series, journal clubs, laboratory “Works in
Progress” meetings, and the Grand Rounds lecture series organized through the Department of Dermatology.
We also have a unique “Road to Translational Research” mentoring team, which enables all trainees to
become familiar with the process of moving forward in translational research. Critical thinking, writing and
presentation skills, the peer-review process, and the responsible conduct of research, in addition to general
and specialized instruction in laboratory techniques, are learned through determination of a well-conceived
research problem, frequent reviews with the Primary Mentor and Mentoring Team, and participation in formal
didactics and seminars. Training sites provide state-of-the-art resources and facilities within individual
laboratories and shared resources, including the Skin Disease Research Center (SDRC). Our first priority has
been to enroll physician/scientists who hold either an M.D./Ph.D. or an M.D. degree and have completed their
residency in dermatology. We have also considered Ph.D. scientists. Candidates are selected to include only
those with outstanding academic records, who show considerable interest and commitment to cutaneous
research and a desire to continue in academic dermatology. Given the sustained strengthening of the
Department of Dermatology, including the renewed funding of our SDRC and a dramatic increase in
dermatology residents with M.D./Ph.D. degrees, cont...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10003817
- **Project number:** 5T32AR060710-08
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT M LAVKER
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $188,156
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2012-05-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10003817

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10003817, Post Graduate Program in Cutaneous Biology (5T32AR060710-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10003817. Licensed CC0.

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