# Training Program in Oncogenic Signals and Chromosome Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $289,381

## Abstract

Project Summary
This is the second renewal application for the UC Davis postdoctoral T32 program in Oncogenic Signals and
Chromosome Biology seeking funding for years 11-15. This training program takes advantage of the integrated
strength of the Molecular Oncology Program at the UC Davis NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
and the exceptional expertise and training records of the participating faculty members in oncogenic signals
and chromosome biology. The program involves 18 trainers, including two National Academy members and
one HHMI Investigator, plus five junior mentors in an effort to develop the next generation of trainers. Every
trainer maintains an active, extramurally funded research program. The translational aspects of this program
are facilitated by a strong clinical research component at the Cancer Center, with further support from the UC
Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center. Over the first two funding periods, the training program
appointed an outstanding cohort of 27 highly talented postdoctoral fellows including 8 from underrepresented
minorities and 8 fellows who crossed into cancer biology from very different areas of science. Remarkably, 9
fellows obtained competitive, individual fellowships to continue their training in cancer biology. The training
program has developed an innovative and effective array of curricular activities that insures individual flexibility
and provides formal training in oncogenic signals and chromosome biology, education in the responsible
conduct of research, as well as individualized mentoring and career development. Included in the training
curriculum are a rich and diverse array of seminars, conferences, discussion groups, workshops, and retreats
that provide opportunities to present research progress and broaden the training experience beyond the
trainer's laboratory. The training program added significant value to the university, as it serviced a cohort of
138 including 39 training grant eligible postdoctoral fellows in the last funding period, who actively participate in
some training grant activities. An effective administrative structure is in place that is further refined in this
renewal. A director administers the program with guidance by an active executive committee, each member of
which actively maintains a specific portfolio to enhance the program activities. To further develop the training
program, we employ the help of a four-member Advisory Board. The two external advisors have experience as
directors of comparable cancer-oriented training programs. The two internal members are highly experienced
mentors and include the Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, who is an authority in mentoring and co-PI of the
UC Davis BEST/Future grant supported by NIH. The training program aims to prepare our trainees for
rewarding careers in the biomedical workforce and empower them to make informed decisions of the breadth
of possible career tracks.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9984970
- **Project number:** 5T32CA108459-15
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Wolf-Dietrich Heyer
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $289,381
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9984970

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9984970, Training Program in Oncogenic Signals and Chromosome Biology (5T32CA108459-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9984970. Licensed CC0.

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