# T32 Predoctoral training grant in genetics

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · 2020 · $289,234

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This proposal is a competitive renewal of a long-standing, successful predoctoral training program
whose objective is to broadly train high quality research scientists in basic genetic approaches to the
study of biology at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population level. Funds are requested to
increase the number of supported trainees from six to eight each year, reflecting a substantial increase
in the number of training grant eligible students. Students in the training program are rigorously trained
in cutting-edge genetic and biochemical research and data analysis through laboratory research,
general and specialized courses, and attendance at seminars. In addition, they gain written and oral
communication skills through qualifying examinations; presentations in an annual seminar class, at lab
meetings, and in journal clubs; attendance at national and international meetings; and preparation of
manuscripts for publication. Students obtain teaching experience through a requirement to serve as
teaching assistants in undergraduate introductory genetics or evolutionary biology for at least one
semester, usually in their second or third year. Students enter graduate school through the recently-
expanded Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) umbrella program, which is the primary entry mechanism for
students who will enter the Graduate Training Program. During their first semester, students complete
three six-week laboratory research rotations where they commit significant effort. This is facilitated by
non-teaching fellowships provided by the University of Georgia and a moderate course load during the
first semester. Students in the Genetics Graduate Training Program (GTP) are required to first take a
gateway course that is designed both to provide broad training in genetics and to build a solid
foundation of genetics knowledge and understanding. In addition, they receive formal quantitative
training and participate in a student seminar course each semester they are in the GTP. At least two
additional formal courses are taken from any combination of the three broad areas of molecular
genetics, genomics, and population genetics. The unusual breadth of genetics that students are
exposed to throughout their training is a major strength of the program. At the end of their first semester,
students choose an advisor with whom they will do their dissertation research. There are currently 42
training faculty across eleven academic units who represent a very wide range of genetic disciplines.
To ensure that students complete degree requirements in a timely manner, progress is closely
monitored by the Graduate Affairs Committee and by students' dissertation committees. Graduates
from this training program over the past 40 years have been highly successful in careers in academia,
government, and industry. The training program is dynamic and will continue to produce broadly trained
leaders in genetics as it embraces the exciting genet...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9976520
- **Project number:** 5T32GM007103-45
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Kelly A Dyer
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $289,234
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1975-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9976520

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9976520, T32 Predoctoral training grant in genetics (5T32GM007103-45). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9976520. Licensed CC0.

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