# Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases Training Grant

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2021 · $197,669

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Enhanced training in infectious disease-related research is critical for the generation of new knowledge that
can be applied to the treatment and prevention of clinical problems. In this long-standing training program,
Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases (MBID), we focus on the development of microbiologists with the
skills to advance our understanding of molecular biology, microbiology, bacterial and fungal pathogens, and
host-microbe interactions, and the ability to recognize opportunities for translation of that information into
clinical applications. The purpose of the MBID T32 is to 1) provide an optimal environment for training new
scientists in the latest concepts and techniques in microbiological research; 2) enhance the understanding
among young scientists of current challenges in clinical infectious diseases; and 3) teach critical thinking skills
that prepare students for research careers in which they contribute to and influence research efforts that lead
to effective solutions for important infectious disease problems. The 21 diverse faculty members participating in
the renewal of this predoctoral training grant are from five partner and neighboring institutions: University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice
University and Institute of Biosciences and Technology of Texas A&M University. Our faculty have a record of
high research productivity, extensive collaborations, investigator-initiated NIH funding, and graduate student
and postdoctoral fellow training. They have mentored 80 predoctoral trainees during the past ten years, and
currently are mentoring 47 PhD students. The training program includes a core curriculum that draws upon
relevant courses at participating institutions, intensive and interactive research experiences, monthly MBID
meetings, annual retreats, weekly seminars and journal clubs, career and professional development activities,
interaction with underrepresented summer undergraduate students, and participation in infectious disease
grand rounds. The MBID faculty have a strong track record in the recruitment, training, and career
advancement of underrepresented groups. For the next grant period, enhancement of the successful MBID
predoctoral training with an improved curriculum, additional training faculty, and the addition of a predoc–
postdoc mentoring program are proposed. The training program will undergo regular evaluations by external
experts and adjustments made to the program as needed. MBID takes advantage of the strong research and
mentoring expertise of its faculty and the educational activities already in place and to leverage all the available
resources to train the next generation of scientists focused on tackling pressing infectious disease and public
health issues. The highly collaborative environment provides the perfect opportunity for trainees to acquire the
skills, expertise and intellectual abilities t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10270345
- **Project number:** 2T32AI055449-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** THERESA M. KOEHLER
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $197,669
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2005-09-15 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10270345

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10270345, Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases Training Grant (2T32AI055449-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10270345. Licensed CC0.

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