Nutrition, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Training Grant

NIH RePORTER · NIH · T32 · $280,712 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract This is a continuation proposal that will transition us from the R25T mechanism (that no longer exists) to the T32 mechanism. Our goal in this continuation proposal is to train statistically and computationally oriented individuals (Biostatisticians, Statisticians, Engineers, Computer Scientists, etc.) to function as independent researchers in a multidisciplinary environment focusing on cancer research, researchers who are trained in the fundamentals of Nutrition and Cancer. To achieve this goal we have assembled a team specializing in Biostatistics/Statistics, Bioinformatics, Nutrition and multiple aspects of Cancer. As of January 1, 2016, 26 post- doctoral trainees have completed the program and 1 will be enrolled. We have deliberately reduced the number of trainees due to the uncertainty about continued funding. The Program has the following important aspects. 1) The training is fully multidisciplinary. a) We focus on training statistically and computationally oriented individuals in the biology of Nutrition and Cancer, creating researchers who understand the underlying mechanisms of action in the relationship between Nutrition and Cancer. Such understanding will allow our trainees to contribute at the highest level to the design and analysis of experiments in the area, and to develop fine-tuned statistical methods truly appropriate for the experimental data. b) The statistical and computational methods learned will not typically be from formal courses, but as they arise from experimental data in nutrition laboratories. c) The training will include initial rotations through 3 laboratories; a rotation with the Texas A&M Genomics Facility Quantitative Biology Core, the co-director of which is a diet chemoprevention cancer biologist in our training program; a rotation through the newly created metabolomics facility, the director of which is a mentor in our training program; followed by intensive long-term training in a single laboratory. 2) Each trainee will have at least two mentors. a) A Nutritionist or Cancer research specialist whose research focuses on cancer etiology and prevention. The trainee will be expected to become a full member of the biologist's laboratory, including spending significant time in the laboratory, attending laboratory meetings, consulting for the graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the laboratory, supervising the analysis of experimental data and eventually posing new problems and approaches. b) A Biostatistician or other computationally oriented individual. Our team includes experts in the analysis of experimental data arising from Nutrition and Cancer, particularly those of a longitudinal nature; the analysis of high throughput expression data; the analysis of proteomics data; the construction and the control of gene regulatory networks, etc. 3) The Principal Investigator (Raymond J. Carroll, Ph.D., a Biostatistician) will continue to devote a significant...

Key facts

NIH application ID
9977972
Project number
5T32CA090301-20
Recipient
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Raymond J. Carroll
Activity code
T32
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
$280,712
Award type
5
Project period
2016-09-15 → 2021-08-31