# Pre-doctoral Training Program in Integrative Vascular Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $436,030

## Abstract

Program Abstract
The complexity of cardiovascular disease has hindered our understanding of its deveopment and progression.
To uncover the uncover the mechanisms by which genetic variation and environmental factors influence
cardiovascular development and disease, the next generation of scientists will need to be trained to use a
variety of approaches, technologies and model systems. In response to this demand the Integrative Vascular
Biology (IVB) Pre-doctoral Training Program was established at UNC in 2002 to promote a collaborative
interdisciplinary training environment for pre-doctoral students in the cardiovascular field. The IVB Program
combines the breadth and depth of the cardiovascular research faculty with other research strengths at UNC in
genetic model systems, state-of-the-art cell biology and imaging, high throughput genomic and proteomic
analyses, and computational biology. The overall goal of the IVB Program is to provide Trainees with the
interdisciplinary and collaborative skills necessary to extend their thesis work into new, innovative,
and productive directions. Specific Aim 1 is to connect Trainees in broad areas of cardiovascular research
by requiring them to collaborate with secondary mentors outside of their field. This training mechanism was
specifically designed to “connect” graduate students in broad areas of cardiovascular biology and
cardiovascular health research. The program teaches students to apply molecular, cellular, genetic, and
computational approaches to pathological and physiological questions in cell, organ, and whole animal
systems; to merge hypothesis- and discovery-based research; and to develop high-throughput approaches for
use in complex models. Specific Aim 2 is to provide Trainees with a broad understanding of cardiovascular
development and disease. This will be achieved through advanced paper-based cardiovascular courses,
cardiovascular seminars by leaders in the field, and through bi-weekly student-led discussion groups. Specific
Aim 3 is to enhance the skills necessary for effective collaboration and career advancement. Trainees will
improve their communication skills by presenting their work at formal and informal IVB events and students will
attend IVB Workshops on grant writing, career development, and scientific rigor and responsibility. The IVB
Program is administered by UNC McAllister Heart Institute and is directed by Dr. Christopher Mack (Associate
Professor of Pathology) a respected vascular biologist who has been heavily involved in graduate student
training at multiple levels.. He is assisted by Co-directors Nobuyo Maeda (Professor of Pathology) and Vicki
Bautch (Professor of Biology) and by the advice of executive and advisory committeees made up of well-
established senior vascular biologist. A major strength of the Program is the breadth and diversity of the 39
primary training faculty who are committed to graduate student training and who are using cutting edge
approaches to answe...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9902485
- **Project number:** 5T32HL069768-19
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Christopher P. Mack
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $436,030
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2002-04-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9902485

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9902485, Pre-doctoral Training Program in Integrative Vascular Biology (5T32HL069768-19). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-14 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9902485. Licensed CC0.

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