# Multidisciplinary Training in Environmental Toxicology

> **NIH NIH T32** · MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $350,108

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The multidisciplinary Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences (EITS) Training Program at Michigan
State University (MSU) produces scientists with a base knowledge in environmental toxicology coupled with
research in a biomedical basic science graduate program. Predoctoral trainees must meet the full PhD
requirements of their partnering biomedical doctoral program and complete the coursework, research and
interactive aspects of the EITS Doctoral Program administered through the Institute for Integrative Toxicology
(IIT). The dual nature of the training is recognized in the biomedical science-environmental toxicology title of the
degree awarded (e.g., PhD in “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-Environmental Toxicology”). Graduates of
the program are well equipped to become leaders in their respective fields and conduct research capable of
addressing complex environmental toxicological problems that require collaborative, multidisciplinary
approaches. Twenty-five training faculty conduct predoctoral training in nine basic science PhD programs
(Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology,
Food Science and Human Nutrition, Genetics, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology
and Toxicology, and Physiology). Added to the basic biomedical science-based education and environmental
toxicology research training are didactic, toxicology-oriented courses and other requirements of the EITS
Program. This coursework, career development opportunities and multidisciplinary activities provided by the IIT
impart a wider scope of knowledge than is available within basic science programs alone. Research topics for
trainees span various organ systems and encompass gene-environment interactions and the role of
environmental stressors in disease susceptibility and progression. Integrative biology is central to the research
training, which emphasizes whole animal, cell-based, molecular and various “omic” methodologies to understand
adverse outcomes and mechanisms of toxicity in a collaborative atmosphere. The postdoctoral training program
involves not only conducting research in the laboratories of the training faculty but also gaining additional
environmental toxicology experience and career-building opportunities by following an individual development
plan (IDP). In addition, participation in IIT and University-wide activities is also encouraged to broaden the
training experience. This application requests support of seven predoctoral and two postdoctoral trainees,
thereby continuing a highly effective multidisciplinary and interactive training program that combines formal and
informal approaches to prepare graduates for leadership roles in research that aims to advance our
understanding of adverse outcomes from exposure to environmental chemicals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9928430
- **Project number:** 5T32ES007255-32
- **Recipient organization:** MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN J LAPRES
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $350,108
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1989-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9928430

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9928430, Multidisciplinary Training in Environmental Toxicology (5T32ES007255-32). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9928430. Licensed CC0.

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