# Program of Molecular Biophysics

> **NIH NIH T32** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $771,290

## Abstract

The Program in Molecular Biophysics (PMB) is a PhD training program at the Johns Hopkins University
(JHU) spanning 4 schools and 13 primary departments. The focus of the PMB is on the physical-chemical and
structural basis of life sciences, spanning from single-molecules to enormous macromolecular complexes and
cellular systems. Experiment and computation are equally represented and closely intertwined, providing
quantitative and rigorous training in quantitative and physical approaches to life sciences. The 37 training
faculty in the PMB provide an interactive and collaborative training environment. The participating
investigators run labs that are well funded and of moderate size, providing ample resources for research and
student support, and close and carefully monitored trainee mentorship.
 Students are selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants using holistic admissions criteria,
including dedication to science, research background, and perseverance, in addition to quantitative metrics.
Through substantial efforts to encourage applications from URM students and assistance from a strong
institutional diversity program, the PMB recruits a highly diverse and talented cohort of trainees. Each year,
eight students matriculate into the PMB and are supported for two years by the training grant, with stipend and
tuition supplements provided by Johns Hopkins University. First-year coursework is designed specifically for
PMB trainees, using active-learning techniques, such as recently designed "Methods Modules," in which
graduate-level theoretical instruction is directly linked to actual data collection and analysis. Other courses
include fundamental aspects of biomolecules, scientific computing, along with statistics, data analysis, and
reproducibility. From the beginning, soft-skill and career development are integrated in the curriculum; one
example is a writing workshop organized in a collaboration between the PMB and the JHU Expository Writing
Program. Through PMB career development activities along with JHU resources, these skills help propel PMB
graduates to advanced positions in diverse biomedical science. Instruction and promotion of responsible
conduct of research is interwoven throughout the entire training program.
 Progress with independent research is carefully monitored through internal committee assessment, as
well as external mentor assessment. Through a mentoring mechanism that provides early guidance
transitioning to independence, trainees perform high impact thesis research, resulting in a large number of
publications, talks, and advanced positions following graduation. To continue to improve our training program,
the PMB has instituted a comprehensive annual external assessment through partnership with JHU's Center
for Educational Resources. The activities of the PMB are designed to contribute to fundamental scientific
research and train responsible scientists who will become leaders in the biomedical workforce.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9855495
- **Project number:** 1T32GM135131-01
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JULIETTE T LECOMTE
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $771,290
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9855495

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9855495, Program of Molecular Biophysics (1T32GM135131-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9855495. Licensed CC0.

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