# Interdisciplinary Program in Microbe-Host Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $275,597

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Today's reality includes threats from emergent microbial diseases, rising opportunistic infections, development
of multi-drug resistant microbes, and inefficacy of existing vaccines due to microbial evolution. These threats to
human health necessitate comprehensive interdisciplinary training programs for the next generation of scientists
in studies of the microbe-host interface and emerging methodologies. The hub for this training program will be
The Ohio State University Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), which is focused on Host-Pathogen Research,
Education, and Outreach. IDI brings together a vibrant and dynamic community that fosters a collaborative
approach to address critical problems in infectious disease. All the preceptors for the training program are
members of IDI and represent a vast array of expertise in host-pathogen interactions. Both PDs (MPD
mechanism) have strong research programs and careers dedicated to training and education. Thus the PDs
represent an outstanding, established and collaborative team to oversee this broad innovative program which
emphasizes: 1) a highly interactive scientific community, 2) a multidisciplinary approach to science, 3) immersion
of trainees in the biomedical research community of a large academic health sciences center, 4) integration of
the clinical and basic sciences, 5) exposure to experienced and talented scientist educators and mentors, and
6) several added advantages to trainees, including a vibrant externship program. The major thematic areas are
1) Viral pathogens, 2) Host defense, and 3) Microbial communities. These thematic areas represent three of five
IDI interdisciplinary programmatic areas and we have selected the most dedicated members from each area to
serve as preceptors for this T32. The program will include a Selection and Oversight Committee, an outstanding
and engaged External Advisory Committee, the necessary administrative structure within IDI to execute the
program, and a high-quality trainee pool. Emphasis is placed on the recruitment of diversity in trainees and on
formal instruction for the responsible conduct of research. We request 3 pre-doctoral, and 2 post-doctoral scholar
slots per year. The proposed training experience includes a state-of-the-art curriculum, dedicated faculty,
exceptional resources, exposure to diverse career paths, and mentors and networking combined with sustained
institutional support that will prepare the trainees for the evolving landscape of our biomedical workforce

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10880677
- **Project number:** 5T32AI165391-03
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** RAJENDAR K DEORA
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $275,597
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-10 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10880677

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10880677, Interdisciplinary Program in Microbe-Host Biology (5T32AI165391-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10880677. Licensed CC0.

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