# Training Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2024 · $462,259

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Elemental processes occurring at the cellular level underpin embryonic development, the function of tissues and
organ systems, and disease pathogenesis. The mission of the predoctoral T32 Training Program in Cell, Molecular
and Developmental Biology (CMDB) is to provide interdisciplinary training in basic cell, molecular and develop-
mental processes essential for all multicellular organisms. While this is a new application for a predoctoral T32
program, it should be noted there is an existing CMDB T32 program at UAB that has been funded by the NIH since
1984. The new CMDB T32 program, which supplants the existing program, capitalizes on training components that
have been well-vetted for their effectiveness in providing high quality graduate training. However, these impactful
training elements are paired with new training activities designed to meet the ever-changing, and increasingly
competitive, scientific environment and workforce. New programmatic activities include didactic courses and work-
shops focused on basic cell structure, physiology and cell communication, as well as training in cutting edge tech-
nologies, diversity and inclusiveness, and scientific ethics. Additionally, a new Career Development Committee has
been instituted, which provides CMDB appointees with one-on-one career guidance to prepare trainees for a
variety of professional roles. By integrating well-validated training experiences with new activities tailored for the
current scientific milieu, the CMDB program will provide trainees with the tools needed to leverage knowledge of
seminal cellular processes to elucidate the mechanistic basis of disease. There are 6 key components of the CMDB
T32 Training program: (1) evidence-informed didactic curriculum and experiential learning activities; (2) research
mentoring by outstanding faculty preceptors; (3) training in scientific communication; (4) training in diversity, equity
and inclusiveness; (5) instruction in responsible conduct of research, scientific rigor and reproducibility; and (6)
personalized career guidance and networking opportunities. Trainees will be appointed to the CMDB T32 program
in the beginning of their 2nd year of graduate school and support will extend for 2 years. Our goal is to capture
students in the early stages of training in order to foster an interdisciplinary mindset as students advance in their
research projects. We are requesting 10 predoctoral training positions, based on the large gap between the number
of training grant eligible students, and the overall number of predoctoral T32 positions at UAB (an 11th position is
supported by matching funds from the UAB School of Medicine). Further support for 10 positions is provided by
historical data indicating steep competition for the positions on our existing CMDB T32. Importantly, the CMDB T32
program is unique at UAB in that it is the only T32 program that supports predoctoral trainees in basic cell and
molecular biology independ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10758014
- **Project number:** 1T32GM146611-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan L Bellis
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $462,259
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10758014

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10758014, Training Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (1T32GM146611-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10758014. Licensed CC0.

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