# Molecular Biophysics Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $221,507

## Abstract

Abstract
New experimental and computational/theoretical biophysical approaches have been developed at a rapid pace
recently, placing the field of Molecular Biophysics in a position to drive future major advances in biomedical
sciences. This proposal describes a Molecular Biophysics Training Program at UT Southwestern that will train a
next generation of biophysicists to master new and standard biophysical approaches, analyze and interpret
complex sets of data, in rigorous and reproducible manners. The Program aims to develop a broad
understanding of biology, to allow our trainees to use molecular biophysical advances to answer the most
important biomedical questions. As research becomes more complex, researchers must communicate effectively,
both within interdisciplinary research teams and to a lay public. Quantitative biophysical researchers will also
need to represent society in general. This proposal aims to develop a diverse group of biophysical trainees with
the breadth of skills to become leaders across the biomedical workforce. We will achieve these goals by providing
high quality research training through a rigorous curriculum that couples principles and methods of physical
sciences and mathematics to studies of cell and molecular biology. We will teach students to become conversant
with the scientific literature and be able to effectively and critically communicate research findings, as
implemented in Works In Progress seminars, Journal Clubs, the Molecular Biophysics Discussion Group or
MBDG seminar series and a yearly research symposium. Enhanced training specific to T32 appointees will
include annual Advisory Meeting and Mini-Symposium, and unique opportunities within the MBDG and research
symposium. Trainees will be drawn from the interdisciplinary Molecular Biophysics Graduate Program, which
has faculty from many different Departments and Centers, allowing the Training Program to draw from the
Graduate Program’s resources. The Training Program is, however, also structured to evolve with trainees’ needs
as they navigate an ever-changing scientific and professional landscape. We request funding for 6 predoctoral
slots each year to pursue the mission and goals of the Training Program. There are currently 26 training grant
eligible students in the labs of 26 participating program faculty, who are well-funded and have research portfolios
cross the spectrum of interdisciplinary, biophysical methods, providing different, complementary approaches to
a variety of important biomedical questions. Collectively, the faculty have trained 58 students in the past 10
years; 93% of their graduates still in science. The training program is unique (minimal overlap with other T32
programs on campus) as participating faculty are united by their use of biophysical methods. The quality and
quantity of students, the participating faculty with strong training records, diverse and well-funded scientific
portfolios, and the uniqueness of the training program’s...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10180985
- **Project number:** 5T32GM131963-03
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Yuh Min Chook
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $221,507
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10180985

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10180985, Molecular Biophysics Training Program (5T32GM131963-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10180985. Licensed CC0.

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