# Training Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $387,776

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The training program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB) was founded at UAB in the early
1970s with a commitment to develop scholars who are well prepared for the challenges inherent to a career in
biomedical research/education. Graduate education at UAB is through the interdepartmental-based Graduate
Biomedical Sciences (GBS) umbrella program that combines an innovative problem-based core curriculum with
small group learning modules focused on thematic areas. The CMDB T32 program integrates with the GBS
curriculum and workshops on scientific integrity and reproducibility, and career and development programs. The
training approach has four basic components composed of 1) a didactic and inductive/student-driven learning
curriculum, 2) a mentored research project, 3) practical experiences in scientific writing, review, and
communication, and 4) career development opportunities. The CMDB T32 provides enhanced training and
support for a select group of highly-talented predoctoral trainees that are interested in basic and clinical research
related to cell and developmental mechanisms that contribute to normal and altered physiology, disease
pathogenesis, and birth defects. Importantly, CMDB is unique at UAB in that it is the only T32 program that
supports predoctoral trainees independent of a disease focus, thus, extending opportunities to high-caliber
trainees that would otherwise be ineligible due to the nature of their research. The CMDB training program is
highly competitive with 114 predoctoral trainees currently in CMDB mentor laboratories. The program receives
on average 32 applicants annually for only 8 positions, thus, the highly qualified applicant pool of trainees far
exceeds the number of positions. CMDB is strengthened by robust University commitments that include support
for the CMDB T32 Directors Fund. The Directors Fund provides added value programs such as the annual multi-
institutional scientific retreat between UAB, Vanderbilt, St. Jude's, and UT-Memphis, the CMDB Distinguished
Lectureship Series, CMDB Chalk Talk and Works in Progress, and trainee participation in career development
workshops and meetings. The CMDB T32 establishes a vibrant and effective training environment by bringing
together a collaborative group of 57 basic and clinical scientists. These mentors were selected on the basis of
their collegiality, their research focus, productivity, and support, and most importantly, their strong commitment
to predoctoral mentorship. The CMDB T32 training program has a long track record of success. Compared to
national averages, the CMDB trainees' completion rates are remarkably high (89%) and they have a shorter
median time to degree (5.5 years). They have a high success rate in continuing on in scientific research,
education, law, or policy/management in academia, industry or government careers. The success of this program
is also evidenced by the 184 peer-reviewed manuscripts published by CMDB T32 trai...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9976521
- **Project number:** 5T32GM008111-33
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Bradley K. Yoder
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $387,776
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1984-09-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9976521

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9976521, Training Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (5T32GM008111-33). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9976521. Licensed CC0.

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