# Genetics Predoctoral Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $549,359

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The Genetics Predoctoral Training Program (GPTP) at Emory University is a unique program in genetics,
genomics and molecular biology that supports students from diverse backgrounds to develop their technical,
operational and professional skills so they can succeed in their desired career in the biomedical workforce. All
students complete a rigorous curriculum in the associated graduate program in Genetics and Molecular
Biology (GMB) emphasizing broad knowledge and its application in an ethical and reproducible manner.
Additional coursework focuses on experimental design, statistics, rigor and the responsible conduct of
research. Based on student interests, the curriculum provides enough flexibility to support students to develop
advanced knowledge in their field. Students perform at least 3 rotations prior to selecting a dissertation mentor
prior to their second year. A required grants course in the second year ensures students think deeply about
their project from the onset. The resulting grant proposals form the basis of the oral qualifying exam which
must be completed by the beginning of year 3. Students who submit the proposals have a high success rate in
gaining individual funding through F31 and similar mechanisms. To enrich the training experience, the GPTP
uses a validated, milestone assessment tool along with the individual development plan and an annual
reflection meeting to create a student-centric, tailored and flexible training plan for each student. The custom
training plans leverages the broad assortment of career development sessions afforded to students at Emory,
and encourages an internship. These plans are augmented by informal mentoring with both peer and informal
faculty mentors. The program is led by a Program Director and Steering Committee with deep expertise and
commitment to graduate education. There are 48 training faculty, each of whom must complete training in
mentoring as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in order to train a GPTP appointee. Students apply and
matriculate in the affiliated GMB graduate program through a review process that evaluates each applicant's
research experience, personal statement, academics, letters of recommendation, trajectory, and potential for
community contribution. The program size provides the intellectual community to support interdisciplinary work
and expose trainees to a breadth of cutting-edge genetics and genomics research. Five students per year will
be appointed to the GPTP at the beginning of year 2, reappointed in year 3 and will remain affiliated with the
program until graduation through annual reflection and planning, customized training activities and peer
mentoring. The current time to degree is 6 years, which while on par with the national average, is likely to be
reduced under the GPTP. The GPTP will institute a robust evaluation plan enabling optimization of program
training activities. By ensuring an inclusive, rigorous, student-centric t...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10848264
- **Project number:** 5T32GM149422-02
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** TAMARA J. CASPARY
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $549,359
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10848264

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10848264, Genetics Predoctoral Training Program (5T32GM149422-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10848264. Licensed CC0.

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