# Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE · 2022 · $181,187

## Abstract

This is the seventh renewal application seeking support for our Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Training
Program (MMPTP) conducted by an interdisciplinary group of faculty at Meharry Medical College (MMC)
and Vanderbilt University (VU) to provide PhD training in the molecular basis of infectious diseases. The
program will provide opportunities for four students who are African American or from other
underrepresented minority (URM) groups committed to infectious disease careers. Highly interactive MMC
and VU mentors who conduct cutting-edge research in molecular microbial pathogenesis will participate in
the training. The Program is designed to offer trainees opportunities for new discoveries and breakthroughs
in the study of the pathogen-host interactions of microbes causing disease, including new and emerging
pathogens such as COVID-19. The innovative features of this program are evident in cutting-edge science
and novel approaches to study the pathogenesis of infectious agents in the areas of: (i) Cell Host and
Microbe; (ii) Infection and Immunity; (iii) Structure/Function of Virulence Factors. The PI will be assisted by
an Associate Director and internal and external advisory committees consisting of MMC and VU training
faculty and external leaders in the field. Trainees Committees on Instruction (COI) will include MMC and VU
mentors. Trainees will take the program flagship course “Cell Host Microbe Interaction,” at least one didactic
course at VU, and participate in summer research and sabbatical opportunities at VU. All trainees and faculty
will participate in Journal Clubs, Works-In-Progress, the Seminar Series including presentations by MMPTP
faculty and students, MMPTP seminars with external speakers, the Infection and Immunology Symposium,
and the annual retreat. This is a strong training program administered at an institution with an outstanding
record of recruiting and retaining minority PhD students. The program goals are enhanced by the increased
collaborative research and training programs at MMC and VU resulting from the MMC-VU Alliance. The
support requested will address the shortage of minority scientists in the critical areas of infectious disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10447191
- **Project number:** 5T32AI007281-32
- **Recipient organization:** MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Minu Chaudhuri
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $181,187
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-06-25 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10447191

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10447191, Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Training Program (5T32AI007281-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10447191. Licensed CC0.

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