# Transdisciplinary Training In Cardiovascular Research

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2021 · $533,453

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 We propose the 1st competitive renewal of our transdisciplinary cardiovascular sciences training
program (CVT32) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). We will continue to
encompass the full spectrum of cardiovascular (CV) research from basic to population health. This breadth
is part of the UMMS culture of conducting science that makes a difference. The CVT32 is a collaboration
between the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Department of Medicine and the Department of
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences (PQHS) and involves 48 participating faculty from multiple
departments.
 Our two MPIs have different research expertise, with one (Freedman) more in the bench through
phase 1 clinical trials arena and the other (Kiefe) in the phase 2/3 clinical trials (efficacy) through
effectiveness, implementation, and population-sciences arena. Trainees will have mentoring teams
with a lead mentor in their CV area of interest and a co-mentor plus an additional mentor-in-training
representing very different areas of research. The synergism of our CVT32 faculty spanning the entire
spectrum is a unique strength of our CVT32 enabling us to train scientists in a transdisciplinary way,
with bidirectional hypothesis generation. Team mentoring and hands-on research experience through
the entire training period are key components of our CVT32, together with structured coursework and
abundant enrichment activities tailored to the individual trainee. We have a doctoral program and a
Masters of Science of Clinical investigation housed in PQHS, where all CVT32 trainees will each have
their own cubicle, in close physical proximity to researchers across the spectrum.
 Building on the success of our 1st funding period, we propose to enlarge the program by attaining a
steady-state of 4 postdoctoral trainees and 4 predoctoral trainees at a time, with terms of 2-3 years;
and newly adding a 12-week summer research training experiences for 8 medical students/year
enrolled in a 4-year clinical and translational research pathway.
 Thus, our aims are to 1) Expand our successful CVT32 across basic, clinical, and population health
sciences geared towards translating research into effective clinical practice and policy, and generating
new questions spanning the entire spectrum of CV research. 2) Recruit pre-and post- doctoral trainees
forming a diverse group regarding sociodemographics, clinical background, and disciplinary
perspectives. 3) Provide trainees with the individual mentoring, academic training, and technical skills
that will ensure their success as independent investigators as well as contributors to team science. 4)
Provide “hands on” research experiences within transdisciplinary teams that build on the strengths of
the current environment of linkages between UMMS Departments, Centers, and Institutes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10270065
- **Project number:** 2T32HL120823-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** J Kevin Donahue
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $533,453
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2014-08-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10270065

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10270065, Transdisciplinary Training In Cardiovascular Research (2T32HL120823-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10270065. Licensed CC0.

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