# Neurobiology and Behavior training grant

> **NIH NIH T32** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $389,533

## Abstract

We request support for training in Columbia's University-wide Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and
Behavior (NB&B). The goals of this program, established in 1995, are two-fold: First, to prepare exceptional
predoctoral students for productive careers in neuroscience research and related fields; and Second, to
train scientists who seek to broaden our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the nervous
system and the many disorders that affect it. We achieve this through a multidisciplinary training program
aimed to provide students with a solid foundation in rigorous experimental design and strong quantitative
and analytical skills, coupled with broad based knowledge of neuroscience and allied disciplines. The first
year begins with a student run orientation – “Bootcamp” – which introduces trainees to current research
approaches. During the first year, students take Analysis for Neuroscientists, which lays a foundation for
rigorous research during three laboratory rotations and subsequent thesis research. A year-long Survey of
Neuroscience course provides an in-depth introduction to Cellular and Molecular neuroscience during the
Fall semester and to Systems and Developmental Neuroscience during the Spring, ensuring core
knowledge for all students independent of prior academic background. By the end of their first year in the
program students select a mentor to guide their thesis research. In their second year, students begin thesis
research, develop a research proposal, select two advanced elective courses, and take a qualifying exam.
Research progress is monitored by the mentor, Co-Directors, the student’s thesis committee, and a Student
Progress Committee. Students gain professional skills in writing, presenting, and cutting-edge research
techniques through research-in-progress talks, a weekly seminar series, skills-based nanocourses, journal
clubs, and a program retreat. These events also ensure an active and cohesive community of mentors and
students. Students participate in nationally- recognized outreach programs including NeuWrite and
Columbia University Neuroscience Outreach (CUNO). The program is administered by the Department of
Neuroscience, and is strongly interdisciplinary with 63 participating faculty from departments across the
Health Sciences campus, Schools of Arts and Sciences/Engineering, and the Zuckerman Institute. Mentor
labs provide a broad range of research topics and training opportunities for NB&B students. The program
receives feedback from External, Internal, and Student Advisory Committees. Between 2013-2019 we
received an average of 423 applications per year, with 64% of these training grant eligible. In 2019 we
accepted 35 students and 18 will enroll, for a 51% yield. We actively recruit applicants from
underrepresented groups and between 2-8 have matriculated annually over the last 10 years. Graduates
go on to make substantial contributions to biomedical research within academia and in science-allied
careers...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9937296
- **Project number:** 1T32MH126036-01
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Wesley B Grueber
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $389,533
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9937296

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9937296, Neurobiology and Behavior training grant (1T32MH126036-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9937296. Licensed CC0.

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