# Interdisciplinary Research Training at the Interface of Reproductive Sciences and Bioengineering

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · 2024 · $275,760

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The Training Program at the Interface of Reproductive Sciences and Bioengineering will unite two long-standing
areas of research excellence on the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus—reproductive biology and
engineering - to train predoctoral students to conduct innovative and high-quality research at the forefront of
reproductive biology. This unique educational program will blend techniques from biological sciences and
engineering to provide training in research areas that align with the mission of NICHD, and includes studies of
germ cell development/meiosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function, spermatogenesis & fertilization,
embryo-uterine crosstalk & pregnancy, and placentation & preterm birth. Engineering principles that present
exciting opportunities to transform research in reproductive sciences are studies involving novel three-
dimensional cell culture in natural or synthetic matrices and assembly of organoids to better understand the
function and interaction of cells in reproductive tissues, mechanobiology to better understand the relationships
between the microstructure, mechanical properties and function of the reproductive tissues, and innovations in
diagnostic methods such as advanced imaging and biosensors to assess placental development and function
during pregnancy. Twenty-four faculty members from 14 departments or interdisciplinary research institutes
across 4 colleges will serve as preceptors for the Training Program, making this a truly interdisciplinary program.
Participating faculty are well-funded and clearly have the necessary research support to provide current and
future trainees excellent training opportunities. There are 50 federally funded research grants totaling over 8.6
million dollars/year in direct costs, and 5 grants from other sources totaling over half million dollars/year in direct
costs among the 24 preceptors of this proposal. Trainees will be drawn from exceptionally strong graduate
programs across various departments, which altogether have over 1,787 total predoctorates. Of these
predoctorates, 103 work with the participating faculty, of which, 38 are eligible to participate in this training
program. This will enable the program to select high-quality predoctorates, expose them to cutting-edge and
emerging technologies that can advance progress in reproductive research, and train them to become the next
generation of interdisciplinary leaders. Selection of the 6 predoctoral trainees supported by this Program is based
on academic success, strength of the proposed research, and relevance of the research to Program goals.
Training will include Curricular Activities to ensure breadth across disciplines. It will also focus on trainees’
professional development and prepare them with the skill set to succeed in their careers. This unique program,
which enjoys strong institutional support and commitment, is designed to ensure that our trainees are fully
equipped to meet the challenges ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10849142
- **Project number:** 1T32HD108075-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- **Principal Investigator:** Indrani C Bagchi
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $275,760
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-03 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10849142

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10849142, Interdisciplinary Research Training at the Interface of Reproductive Sciences and Bioengineering (1T32HD108075-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10849142. Licensed CC0.

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