# Purdue University Molecular Biophysics Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $292,577

## Abstract

Purdue University Molecular Biophysics Training Program
PROJECT SUMMARY
In 2015, the Zika virus outbreak emerged as an international public health crisis. In less than a year, scientists
at Purdue University published the structure of the mature Zika virus capsid, providing immunologists and drug
discovery experts with a sophisticated molecular understanding of how to rationally develop selective anti-viral
agents. This remarkably fast transition from the discovery of a novel disease to an atomic model was made
possible by a cutting-edge electron microscopy facility, a deep understanding of the theory and application of
biophysics, and a diverse team of researchers spearheaded by a well-trained predoctoral student. Successful
molecular biophysics training programs will instill upon its trainees many of the same qualities that made this
example so effective. To this end, the mission of the Purdue University Molecular Biophysics Training program
is to bring together 27 preceptors from six different departments to train an outstanding cohort of graduate
students in the underlying theory and practice of cutting-edge biophysical techniques. The program's chief
objectives are: (i) to provide enhanced training in the application of molecular biophysics in a rigorous and
reproducible way to modern problems in human health and disease, (ii) to foster effective and inclusive
teamwork, and (iii) to provide career development opportunities tailored to the goals of individual trainees. To
achieve these objectives, selected trainees (6 in each year of the award, typically beginning in their 2nd year of
study and supported for up to 2 years) will take a new two-semester gateway class that merges theory with team-
based project design and implementation, participate in and help implement an interdepartmental biophysics
seminar series that will showcase student-invited external speakers and trainee research on campus, and plan,
develop, and implement Purdue's annual biophysics symposium called the Hitchhiker's Guide to the
Biomolecular Galaxy. Examples of key activities that support the professional development of these trainees are
exercises in teamwork built into program coursework and symposium planning, active development and
implementation of detailed individual development plans reviewed and revised annually in collaboration with the
mentor, personalized teaching and/or internship opportunities, a grant-writing class tailored to biophysical topics,
training in the responsible conduct of research, and participation in the recruitment and retention of
underrepresented and/or disabled students. By leveraging Purdue's expertise in Biology Education and self-
assessment, the training program and its individual activities will be evaluated annually and refined to ensure
that the program is meeting its objectives and the needs of the scientific community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10189654
- **Project number:** 5T32GM132024-03
- **Recipient organization:** PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yulia N Pushkar
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $292,577
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10189654

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10189654, Purdue University Molecular Biophysics Training Program (5T32GM132024-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10189654. Licensed CC0.

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