# Training in Precision Environmental Health Sciences

> **NIH NIH T32** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $360,634

## Abstract

PROGRAM SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The interdisciplinary Training in Precision Environmental Health Sciences (TPEHS) program is a joint initiative
of Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of
Public Health (UTH-SPH). Research at the intersection of genes and the environment (GxE) has contributed to
the fields of environmental and public health and significantly advanced our knowledge of environmental factors
and genetic contributors to disease. Genomics and environmental health research are producing ever-larger
data sets, illuminating the need for today's environmental health researchers to be able to incorporate big data
into their research. The goal of the TPEHS is to train the next generation of environmental health scientists
working at the interface of genetics, environmental health and data science (GxExD). The training program is
aligned with the Center for Precision Environmental Health at BCM, led by Program Director Dr. Cheryl Walker.
This Center provides strong institutional support for the TPEHS and a “home base” for this joint training program.
TPEHS Program Objectives are for trainees to 1) acquire fundamental knowledge in Genetics, Environmental
Health, and Data Science; 2) become proficient at integrating concepts of GxExD into research; and 3) gain the
necessary skills and tools to leverage GxExD training to achieve their next career objective. The Program will
support 2 pre- and 2-post-doctoral trainees in Year 1, increasing to 3 pre- and 3 post-doctoral trainees/year
thereafter. The core curriculum for PhD students includes didactic coursework in Environmental
Health/Toxicology, Genetics, and Data Science and a Foundations Course on Integrative Concepts of Precision
Environmental Health. This didactic training is complemented by career development activities, training in
Responsible Conduct of Research and Rigor and Reproducibility, and programmatic/networking opportunities
(including peer-to-peer mentoring) that enhance the training environment and build cohesion among trainees. In
addition to the Foundations Course, postdoctoral training includes the opportunity for industry-based networking
with the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) and/or preparation for academic careers via grant-
writing workshops and submission of a K99/R00 application. Leadership at both BCM and UTH-SPH have
committed to providing four additional slots for trainees in the Program, increasing the size of the trainee cohort
and broadening the applicant pool beyond US citizens. The TPEHS is a unique opportunity to cross-train
biomedical scientists in GxExD research and leverage the collaborative environment and research powerhouse
of the Texas Medical Center scientific community. At the end of the program, trainees will have a deep
understanding of inter-disciplinary GxExD research, demonstrated ability to carry out independent research in
this challenging multidisciplinary area, and t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200038
- **Project number:** 5T32ES027801-04
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Cheryl L. Walker
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $360,634
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200038

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200038, Training in Precision Environmental Health Sciences (5T32ES027801-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200038. Licensed CC0.

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