# Predoctoral Training Program in Genetics

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2020 · $385,645

## Abstract

This is a renewal application for training grant support for the Predoctoral Genetics
Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania. The goal of the program is to
provide broad-based training in cell and molecular biology and in-depth training in
genetics in order to prepare young scientists for cutting-edge genetics research and
careers in academia, private industry or government. The program brings together
faculty from 16 different departments at the Schools of Medicine and Arts and Sciences,
as well as the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. The combination of a research-
oriented medical school and a strong university base provides an excellent environment
for graduate education. The program obtains substantial financial support from
Biomedical Graduate Studies, an institutional organization that coordinates student
recruitment and oversight for many graduate groups. The Genetics and Epigenetics
(GE) Program is part of the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, a
multidisciplinary Graduate Group that administers the broad core curriculum for our
predoctoral trainees. Within the CAMB framework, the GE Program offers advanced
coursework and research training in genetics, and program-specific activities such as an
annual Genetics Retreat, trainee seminars, journal cubs, technical workshops, career
forums and social events. These courses and activities are made available to students
from multiple graduate groups, expanding the breadth and reach of our training program.
After coursework is completed, the student must pass an oral preliminary exam that
consists of a defense of a written NRSA-style thesis research proposal. The student then
carries out a significant genetics research project under the direction of a laboratory
mentor and the advice of a thesis committee, with additional oversight and mentoring
from the training program faculty. Students are selected for two years of training grant
support after they have completed coursework, selected a thesis lab and passed their
Preliminary exam. Thus, we support students who are highly motivated to carry out
genetic research. New enhancements initiated within the last four years include the
Penn Genetics Retreat, a requirement for coursework in Biological Data Analysis,
increased emphasis on grant writing skills, and use of Individual Development Plans to
guide career discussions and planning. We propose to continue this program at its
current size of 8 predoctoral trainees per year.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9952375
- **Project number:** 5T32GM008216-34
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** DOUGLAS J EPSTEIN
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $385,645
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9952375

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9952375, Predoctoral Training Program in Genetics (5T32GM008216-34). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9952375. Licensed CC0.

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