# Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC)

> **NIH NIH P42** · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · 2020 · $134,001

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC)
The overall goal of the LSU Superfund Research Center (LSU SRP) is to understand how redox-active metal
oxides and organic pollutants associated with particulate matter (PM) react to form environmentally persistent
free radicals (EPFRs) and secondary pollutants (e.g., dioxins); how EPFRs are stabilized and decay; and how
EPFRs induce cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction. To solve these complex research questions, the
LSU SRP brings together scientists from diverse areas, including chemistry, physics, environmental sciences,
and toxicology. To date, the LSU SRP has trained more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in
these diverse research disciplines. LSU SRP trainees receive their research training through work defined by
the individual research projects but receive additional training through programs administered by the Research
Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC). The Core has enhanced trainees’ training and
professional development through unique programs meant to increase their appreciation of transdisciplinary
collaboration; for communicating to diverse audiences, including teachers, K–12 students, and community
groups; and for the ethical conduct of research. The RETCC will continue to facilitate the professional
development and training of all LSU SRP trainees through three Specific Aims. In Aim 1, cross-disciplinary
education in the environmental and biomedical sciences will be enhanced through innovative programs. For
example, the RETCC will continue to provide webinar-based biweekly meetings for cross-disciplinary
discussion and dissemination of research findings. It will also use the webinar program for professional
development activities, for example, for educating trainees in the ethical conduct of research. Moreover, the
Core will fund two externships per year, in which the trainees visit other institutions to learn techniques not
available on our campuses. In Aim 2, the RETCC will support the professional development of trainees by
providing education programs in writing, presentation skills, interviewing, and leadership. In an innovative
approach, trainees have now organized themselves into a Leadership Advisory Board with the vision that
trainees will learn leadership skills by directing the activities of other trainees. In Aim 3, trainees will mentor
undergraduates completing a service-learning course at a local historically black university. Together, the
trainees and their mentees will play a key role in facilitating bidirectional communication between SRP
researchers and a North Baton Rouge community (Alsen) affected by Superfund-related issues, ensuring that
trainees become adept at communicating science to diverse audiences. Finally, to enhance the impact and
overall well-being of our program, in Aim 4, the Core will work together with other institutional programs to recruit
a diverse population of high-qual...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9838934
- **Project number:** 2P42ES013648-08A1
- **Recipient organization:** LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE
- **Principal Investigator:** TAMMY R DUGAS
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $134,001
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9838934

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9838934, Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC) (2P42ES013648-08A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9838934. Licensed CC0.

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