# Developmental Biology Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $462,452

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT (30 Lines of text)
Developmental biology, an interdisciplinary science at the leading edge of modern biomedical research,
integrates stem-cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and whole-animal model systems. This
Developmental Biology Training Grant (DBTG) application requests support for eight predoctoral and three
postdoctoral trainees in an interdepartmental Developmental Biology Training Program, consisting of
individualized research training under the guidance of 48 faculty members in nine PhD degree-granting
departments at the University of Utah. The Internal Advisory Board (IAB) selects Trainees through a formal
application process and NIH study section-style review. Predoctoral Trainees who have completed their
qualifying exams in the Biosciences Programs or the MD/PhD Program are supported for up to two years, and
Postdoctoral Trainees are also supported for up to two years. Both groups are selected from a highly
competitive pool, based on excellence in previous research, a research proposal, and letters of
recommendation. Trainees will be mentored to apply for individual F30/F31/F32 fellowships or other nationally
competitive awards to enhance their career development. Success for Predoctoral Fellows will be measured by
by successful individual fellowship awards, PhD graduation, and obtaining their next step professional
advancement (typically postdoctoral positions). Success for Postdoctoral Fellows will be measured by next
step professional advancement, typically faculty positions or leadership positions in biotech or other biomedical
research programs. MPIs stay in touch with former trainees and continue to serve as career advisors.
This Program uses ten mechanisms for value-added training of these carefully chosen and especially
competitive Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Trainees: twice-monthly Developmental Biology Discussion Group
meetings; didactic coursework focused on Developmental Biology and science ethics; DBTG Sponsored
Seminars; experience in hosting visitors and national Symposia; funding and preparation for Trainee
presentations at national scientific conferences; training in the effective utilization of Predoctoral and
Postdoctoral Individual Development Plans (IDPs); unique Postdoctoral Mentoring committees that add
significant guidance to each Postdoctoral Trainee’s career development; an innovative Mentor-the-Mentor
program that enhances the faculty’s ability to mentor Trainees; opportunities for Grant/Fellowship Writing
Workshops; and a highly successful DBTG Annual Retreat. The Program actively solicits and implements
recommendations from Trainees, Mentors, IAB and External Advisory Board (EAB).
With leading researchers in multiple model organisms, this Program has an exceptional track record of training
predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists in the interdisciplinary field of Developmental Biology and preparing
them to direct their own first-rate independent research programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10833134
- **Project number:** 5T32HD007491-27
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Kristen M Kwan
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $462,452
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1995-09-29 → 2028-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10833134

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10833134, Developmental Biology Training Program (5T32HD007491-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10833134. Licensed CC0.

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