# The Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Training Grant (GenHLB)

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $271,352

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Human genome studies continue to provide new insights into heart, lung, and blood (HLB) traits, with
opportunities for translation of research findings for disease prevention and health promotion. Yet, an insufficient
number of HLB genetic epidemiologists can design and implement multidisciplinary HLB genetic epidemiology
studies that combine technological advances in genomics with cutting-edge statistical tools to advance
understanding of the genetic basis of HLB traits and associated diseases across populations. The Genetic
Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits (or GenHLB) Training Grant addresses these research gaps by
providing interdisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive instruction in the genetic epidemiology of HLB traits
from an outstanding team of research mentors with expertise spanning four training dimensions: HLB genetic
epidemiology; computational methods; `OMICs; and culture, diversity, and disparities. The training program
encompasses formal didactics based on an individual development plan, tailored mentorship, research in two
training dimensions, presentations, manuscript and grant preparation, research seminars and colloquia, and
instruction in the responsible conduct of research and research rigor and reproducibility. The GenHLB training
program also includes careful evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of the program, ensuring that fellows
achieve the competencies and skills necessary for success as future HLB genetic epidemiology research
leaders. This renewal application proposes continued support of three pre-doctoral and three postdoctoral
fellows each year. Postdoctoral fellows have prior expertise in epidemiology, human genetics, biostatistics,
bioinformatics, computational biology, or medicine and gain interdisciplinary training. Pre-doctoral fellows pursue
a PhD in epidemiology, specializing in HLB genetic epidemiology with a second area of training. Both applicant
pools are highly selective. During our first cycle of funding, the 11 fellows trained by our program successfully
conducted transdisciplinary research, published in leading journals, secured independent funding, and obtained
competitive positions interrogating the genetic epidemiology of HLB traits. For the next five years, we propose
an expansion of the computational training dimension to include a focus on causal inference and a research
theme of precision medicine. Specifically, we include faculty with expertise in causal inference and added
coursework and practicum experiences in precision medicine. An enhanced focus on lung and blood traits,
leadership training, and participation in an interdisciplinary public health professional development seminar
series also is proposed. Our program of internationally known research mentors with established research
collaborations, unique and multidisciplinary training environment, and a multitude of research opportunities make
us exceptionally well-positioned to continue training the nex...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10265171
- **Project number:** 2T32HL129982-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** KAREN L. MOHLKE
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $271,352
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10265171

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10265171, The Genetic Epidemiology of Heart, Lung, and Blood Traits Training Grant (GenHLB) (2T32HL129982-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10265171. Licensed CC0.

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