University Of Pennsylvania

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1992-09

PROJECT SUMMARY The Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (DBEI) and the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), in collaboration with the Division of Hematology-Oncology of the Department of Medicine and the Division of Oncology of the Department of Pediatrics, all at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), propose to continue an innovative, rigorous, and successful training program for investigators in cancer clinical epidemiology. Five postdoctoral positions per year are requested. This training program attracts trainees from across the country; its graduates are placed in institutions nationwide, resulting in a high impact training program. The specific aims of the training program are to: 1) train the next generation of investigators to address novel and critical cancer epidemiology questions with innovative analytic methods and transdisciplinary research collaborations; 2) provide in-depth knowledge of clinical epidemiology research methods for research questions across the cancer care continuum and lifespan; 3) provide intensive, supervised research experience resulting in first-authored publications with mentors who have active research programs in pediatric and adult cancer; and 4) promote synergies between epidemiology trainees and investigators outside of epidemiology through seminars and workshops offered at DBEI, the ACC, the pediatric and adult clinical oncology divisions, and other research centers at Penn and CHOP. Didactic training is provided through the Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) program and the directors of the training program receive regular feedback to optimize the progress of each fellow. The principal concepts of rigorous research are taught in courses of fundamental epidemiological methods, cancer and molecular epidemiology, and biostatistics, elective courses relevant to the trainees’ methodologic interests; journal clubs and clinical research conferences conducted by participating faculty, the DBEI, ACC, and adult and pediatric oncology divisions; independent readings; and instruction in the responsible conduct of research. Strengths of the proposed program are: 1) the history of successful research training programs in the DBEI, ACC, and adult and pediatric oncology divisions, including this training program; 2) the collaborative links among faculty with interests in clinical research in cancer; 3) the comprehensive course offerings and research programs that are available to trainees; and 4) an extensive set of experienced faculty with successful training records. In addition, numerous existing large databases that can be used for research projects and training; a broad array of specialized analytic capabilities available for clinical studies employing methods of clinical epidemiology, and commitment of faculty to collaborative research and training, combine to provide an ideal environment for this training program. Finally, the PSOM promote an academic environment in which basic and clinical research are encouraged and viewed as attractive career paths for physicians.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 1991-06

Project Summary/Abstract Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are nuclear receptors (NRs) that switch from transcriptional repressors to activators in response to thyroid hormone (TH), a powerful regulator of lipid and energy metabolism. Repression is mediated by NR corepressors NCOR1 and NCOR2/SMRT, which function in multiprotein complexes containing histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), whose catalytic activity requires interaction with NCOR1/2. This proposal focuses on mechanisms by which TH controls liver metabolism as well as non- canonical metabolic functions of NCOR1/2 and HDAC3. Specific Aim 1 is to determine the molecular mechanisms and role of thyroid hormone action in physiology and in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). TRb agonists have great promise in the treatment of NASH, but the mechanisms by which they alleviate fatty liver, inflammation, and fibrosis are unclear. Preliminary data in mouse models demonstrate that many TH-regulated genes are dysregulated in NASH livers, with evidence of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. We will use novel epitope-tagged TRb mice, functional genomics, and genomic region-specific proximity labelling to determine the mechanisms by which TH-regulated genes are dysregulated in NASH. Our preliminary data has also uncovered regulation of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism by both NASH and TH, and shown that TH upregulates anti-inflammatory kynurenine (Kyn) metabolites downstream of Trp. We will use metabolic flux analysis to understand these changes, and will determine the importance of Kyn metabolites in the improvement of NASH by TH. Specific Aim 2 is to elucidate the physiological functions of nuclear receptor corepressors in the liver. Preliminary data reveal that, in addition to repression of lipogenic genes, NCORs unexpectedly activate gluconeogenic genes via an unrecognized chromatin opening ability. We hypothesize that this is due to recruitment of chromatin remodelers, and will test this by utilizing a functional genomics approach, including ChIP-seq, GRO-seq, and ATAC-seq combined with ChIP-mass spec in novel mice with epitope-tagged NCORs. We will also use genomic region-specific proximity labelling to identify proteins that interact specifically with NCORs at positively regulated genes. In addition we will determine the mechanism underlying the regulation of gluconeogenesis by NCORs in the normal fasting response. Specific Aim 3 is to determine the mechanisms underlying enzyme-independent functions of HDAC3 in the liver. In liver, catalytically inactive HDAC3 can repress de novo lipogenesis and prevent hepatosteatosis, but the mechanisms are not known. We will test the hypothesis that this is due to novel protein interactions by combining functional genomics and proteomics using tagged wild type and mutant HDAC3. These innovative studies address major questions regarding the mechanisms of action of TRs, corepressors, and HDAC3 and will shed new light on the transcriptional and epigenomic control of metabolism in physiology as well as NASH and related metabolic disorders.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 1991-05

Project Summary We aim to establish that only specific circuit states of an identified connectome are modulated by circulating hormones. Different circuit states are ones with at least some circuit neurons expressing modified cellular (ionic currents) and synaptic properties. Most cellular-level mechanistic studies of circuit state modulation have come from in vitro studies using arbitrary parameters or concentrations to stimulate individual modulatory neurons or apply one or two neuromodulators. Thus far, little is known about the full complement of effective modulators, such as within a population of hormones, during a specific behavioral state and whether they influence all circuit states of a given connectome. We aim to bridge this gap by merging access to two defined circuits in the isolated nervous system with our ability to deliver a natural source of hormones. We will determine the response of different gastric mill (chewing)- and pyloric (passage of chewed food) circuit states, configured by different applied neuromodulators, in the isolated crab (Cancer borealis) stomatogastric ganglion (STG) to hemolymph ('blood') obtained from an unfed crab. By using the fully functional circuits in the isolated STG, the direct influence of hormones can be determined without a background of variable, spontaneous projection neuron influences. Our pilot data support the hypothesis that hormones from a single behavioral state tune the output of only certain circuit states. Specifically, hemolymph from unfed crabs strengthens the gastric mill rhythm and its regulation of the pyloric rhythm when configured by the peptide Gly1-SIFamide [G- SIFamide] or CabTRP Ia [CabTRP]. These effects of unfed hemolymph occurred without any qualitative change in circuit activity. In contrast, unfed hemolymph did not alter the STG circuit states configured by the peptide proctolin or the muscarinic acetylcholine agonist oxotremorine. Using these four applied modulators and hemolymph from unfed crabs, we aim to (a) fully characterize each circuit state response, (b) identify each hormone influencing a particular circuit state, including determining their hemolymph concentration and comparing their separate and combined influence to whole hemolymph, and (c) determine the underlying cellular and synaptic mechanisms. To these ends, we will use electrophysiology to monitor and manipulate circuit neuron activity, and mass spectrometric (MS) analyses for hormone identification and hemolymph concentration. Because unfed hemolymph enhances without otherwise altering the G-SIFamide and CabTRP actions, we hypothesize that the active hormone(s) either activate the same ionic current(s) as the applied peptide, or they enhance the effective concentration of each peptide by inhibiting their cleavage. We will use voltage- and dynamic clamp to test the ionic current hypothesis, and MS analysis to identify each peptide's cleavage products and determine if their amount is reduced in hemolymph. A successful outcome will extend the available insight into the selective influence of the hormonal environment from particular behavioral states on different circuit states of a well-defined connectome at the cellular, synaptic and circuit level.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1988-08

This competitive renewal application for the University of Pennsylvania’s (PENN) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32 Cancer Center Research Training Program seeks continued support to train and mentor a varied pool of physician-scientists towards productive careers in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. Our Training Program provides the critical protected time, mentorship, resources, educational experiences, environment, and programmatic oversight to enable trainees to make discoveries that enhance cancer care. The Program is bolstered by the remarkable physical and human resources, and strong institutional commitments of PENN and its Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), as well as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and its Center for Childhood Cancer Research (CCCR). This support creates an environment designed to nurture, challenge, and promote physician-investigators committed to research-intensive careers in cancer medicine. Our Program, continuously funded for over three decades, remains highly successful in utilizing our six post-doctoral training slots to develop the careers of physician-scientists. We remain focused on providing research training for adult, pediatric, and other cancer physician MD and MD/PhDs in their 2nd and 3rd year of ACGME-accredited Fellowship training at CHOP and PENN. Since its inception, this T32 has trained >100 outstanding investigators who continue to make seminal contributions, including leaders in cancer research such as John Maris (CHOP/neuroblastoma immunogenomics) and Kimryn Rathmell (PENN/newly appointed Director, NCI), and emerging leaders such as Shannon Maude (CHOP/CART19 innovation), Alex Huang (PENN/immune checkpoint inhibitor optimization), and Jessica Foster (CHOP/mRNA-CART development for CNS tumors). Over the past twenty years, we have supported 61 trainees (including 6 current trainees). Of the 53 living graduated trainees, 35 hold faculty positions as Assistant (21), Associate (13), or Full Professor (1) in academic medicine, 6 continue in research-intensive Instructor roles (5) or postdoctoral research positions (1), 6 hold leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry, 2 are FDA Medical Officers, and only 4 are working in community-based oncology practices. We select trainees based on their commitment and potential for cancer research. Trainees develop a curriculum and individual development plan tailored to their research interests, the core of which is a mentored research project, supplemented by coursework, seminars, as well as peer mentoring. Trainee progress is closely monitored by their Scholarly Oversight Committee (SOC). Newly revised Executive and Advisory Committees review overall programmatic performance and individual Trainee success using publications, funding, and independent careers in cancer research as metrics. This allows us to continually assess the extent to which we are meeting program goals, and identifies opportunities for enhancements to meet the needs of our Trainees, which continue to evolve with the field of cancer medicine.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 1987-07

ABSTRACT We are requesting continuation of the NICHD training grant in Demography to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). The proposed program continues Penn’s longstanding excellence in training in Demography, as per placement of, and scientific contributions by, trainees. It will be enhanced during the upcoming cycle by (a) new engagement of population researchers from the Health Policy Division of the Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine; (b) a major reorganization of the training sequence in demographic methods; (c) new integrated training in the areas of biomarkers, complex data structures, data science, and quantitative methods; (d) new exchange training programs with two prominent European research centers (Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and French Institute for Demographic Research). Six predoctoral positions (no postdoctoral positions) are requested. The principal aim of the Demography predoctoral program at Penn is to train independent researchers who are prepared to play leading roles in population analysis. This goal is achieved through (i) intensive instruction in the methods, theoretical approaches, and empirical substance of demography and allied disciplines; (ii) progressive incorporation of students into faculty research activities; and (iii) subsequent branching into independent research. The training in Demography described in this proposal reflects a vision of the population sciences and population health in which a strong background in the logic of demographic process is the gateway to the application of contributions from elsewhere in the social and behavioral sciences to an array of topics of public and scientific interest.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1985-07

This is a competing continuation to support six post-doctoral positions to provide rigorous research training for fellowship-level physicians, physician scientists, and scientists studying lung disease. The ultimate goal is to develop pulmonary scientists in either mechanistic or translational research who will pursue careers in research-focused academics or the biomedical industry. After completion of clinical or Ph.D. training, all trainees begin a two year (minimum) period of virtually uninterrupted time for research training. Trainees choose one of two tracks: a mechanistic / basic science pathway, or a translational pathway. For both tracks, the key training activities will be mentored time in a research laboratory leading a specific individual project, with supplemental learning through workshops or coursework, attendance at research conferences, and seminars. Candidates pursuing the translational pathway may participate in the Master of Science of Translational Research degree program with a more structured didactic curriculum and thesis defense. Select trainees will be provided with a third year of research training, typically while submitting applications for mentored career development awards. All trainees will create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with their mentoring committee and will present twice annually to the committee to track progress, update career goals, and discuss transition to faculty status or other research career opportunities. Mentoring committees include the primary (and if relevant, secondary) mentors, a fellowship representative for MD scientists, and the T32 Director or T32 Steering Committee member. The program will continue to foster broad multidisciplinary approaches to research with strong ties to trainers within and outside of the Pulmonary Division and the Lung Biology Institute. This application seeks to maintain a highly successful pulmonary immunology and translational research training program.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 1983-07

Entering its 40th year, the overarching goal of the Penn Dermatology Research T32 Training Program is to recruit young investigators into biomedical research careers pertaining to the skin and its diseases, and to provide them the training, mentorship, and skills to be successful in that career. Training and supporting the developing careers of the next generation of investigators in dermatology research is critical to research progess and innovation in cutaneous biology, skin diseases, and dermatoepidemiology, leading to novel treatments for skin disease and improvements in overall human health. To most effectively support trainees in dermatology research, we have developed approaches to: 1) recruit trainees at early stages in their careers by exposure to the excitement and impact of dermatology research; 2) support the research and training of young scientists with established interests in the skin and its diseases; and 3) provide a rigorous and supportive training environment that fosters development of skin investigators across disciplines. To these ends we request support for: 2 long-term predoctoral fellowships to support the thesis research of MD PhD students, PhD students, or MD students pursuing a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) degree; and 4 postdoctoral fellowships for MD, PhD, and MD PhD scientists. A particular emphasis of our training program is to recruit and train physician scientists through a four-year dermatology research residency track. Our program involves 36 highly qualified trainers with expertise ranging from clinical epidemiology, genomics, medical informatics, microbiology, immunology, to developmental biology, stem cells, skin appendages, and regeneration. Training activities are tailored to the stages of training and the type of research conducted by the trainee. Trainees attend and present their research at a weekly Dermatology Research Seminar, a bi-weekly Trainee Power Hour, and an annual Scientific Symposium & Trainee Retreat. Trainees receive formal instruction in the responsible conduct of research, methods to enhance scientific rigor and reproducibility, biostatical and analytical approaches, data sharing, and other appropriate data science training tailored to the trainee’s individual needs. Skills workshops are conducted to develop grant writing and manuscript drafting skills. These activites complement a rich set of professional and career development activites facilitated by Penn’s post-doctoral and graduate programs. The training program is evaluated by conducting annual trainee surveys, by an external advisory committee that meets yearly, assessment of research output (publications, grants, awards), and tracking long-term career outcomes including leadership positions in academia and industry. These approaches have been highly successful, resulting in rigorously-trained independent investigators that go on to become academic leaders and independent scientists across many disciplines of dermatology research. Continued support of this Training Program will fuel new mechanistic understanding and therapeutic targets for skin disease, and improved health and quality of life for dermatology patients.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1979-07

Hematology Research Training Program (T32 HL-07439) PI/PD: Brass, Lawrence F. Abstract The Hematology Research Training Program (HRTP) at the University of Pennsylvania was established in the mid-1970’s. It has received NHLBI T32 funding since 1978 and to date it has provided support for 179 predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. The program’s mission is to sustain the hematology workforce by providing basic and translational research experiences, training, career advising and mentorship to a diverse group of physician- scientists and scientists. Our goals for the next 5 years include 1) providing the training and mentorship that will allow our graduates to become successful investigators in settings that include academia, industry, federal agencies, and the NIH and other research institutes, 2) helping to grow the research workforce in areas related to hematology, blood cells and blood disorders, and 3) working with other T32-funded hematology research training programs to exchange best practices and allow individual trainees to benefit from a wider network. The current program directors are Lawrence Brass, MD PhD and Ivan Maillard, MD PhD, both of whom are members of Penn’s Hematology-Oncology Division, where Dr. Maillard is the Vice Chief for Research and Dr. Brass directs the MD/PhD program. The diverse participating faculty includes 47 trainers of all academic ranks. Policies are in place for adding or removing trainers from the roster. Participation in mentorship training is expected by all. NHLBI T32 support for the HRTP currently includes 8 clinical fellows and postdocs plus 4 MD/PhD and PhD predocs. Renewed funding is requested at the same level. Participating graduate programs are primarily those within the Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) umbrella program, but some trainees will be in the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) program. Key features of the HRTP include formal and informal advising, workshops, attendance at national conferences, and training in the responsible conduct of research and methods to enhance reproducibility. There is a well-received annual presentation and feedback session attended by our Internal and External Advisory Boards, whose membership includes the directors of 5 other T32-funded research training programs. Program outcomes. 143 postdocs (31 MD/PhD, 65 MD and 47 PhD) and 36 predocs (23 MD/PhD and 13 PhD) have been supported to date. Of the 153 who have completed all subsequent stages of training, 76% have positions that we consider appropriate outcomes for alumni of this training program, including 71 (46%) who have full-time appointments at academic institutions or the NIH, and 31 (20%) who are employed in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. In this proposal we present a plan for attracting, training and mentoring a diverse group of individuals, monitoring their progress during training, and tracking their journeys afterwards. A logic model and rubric have been developed to allow us to combine outcomes data with trainee feedback and alumni suggestions to improve the program.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1978-09

Project Summary This is a competitive renewal for our longstanding Training Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases. During the most recent funding cycle, 4 postdoctoral fellows were supported each year, with two additional postdoctoral fellows supported through Diversity Supplements. A total of 13 trainees working with 11 different mentors were supported during this cycle. The program is designed to accommodate PhD scientists, as well as physician scientists with MD or MD/PhD degrees. Of the 5 postdoctoral trainees supported by this T32 during the last 4 years who are no longer in training, three are junior faculty at Penn supported by K-awards, one is a bioinformatician at Penn, and one is a research associate at Yale. For the next period, we request continued funding of four postdoctoral fellows. We also request continued support of Penn’s NIDDK Medical Student Research Program, which has supported 12 medical students during this funding cycle. Our 23 training faculty have primary appointments in nine Medical School Departments and one Department in the School of Arts and Sciences and consist of 15 professors, 3 associate professors, and 5 assistant professors.  In the last funding cycle, six mentors left Penn or changed status to emeritus, two were removed, and twelve were appointed to the training grant. Training grant faculty are highly funded by the NIH and direct programs in β-cell development and function, obesity, hormone action, physiology, diabetic complications, and genetics in humans and model organisms, with expertise in laboratory-based, translational, patient-oriented, and community-based research. The Program is strongly supported by access to a superb range of institutional resources at the University of Pennsylvania, including the DRC and CTSA. We have experienced programmatic growth in graduate students pursuing research in diabetes and obesity, and we are requesting 4 new slots to support predoctoral trainees. This training program continues to provide superb preparation for scientists committed to careers in research into diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2026 · 1976-07

Indeed, this has been the formula that has been very successful in our training program thus far and, in today’s complex and interdisciplinary research world, this approach is more essential than ever. Trainee research areas represent a wide range of musculoskeletal problems including, but not limited to, the cellular and molecular biology of bone growth, repair, ossification, and maintenance; the etiology and pathogenesis of tendon and ligament injury, repair, and regeneration; mechanical loading effects on articular cartilage; and biomaterials to promote tissue repair and regeneration. In addition to formal didactic coursework outlined in our enhanced Orthopaedic Bioengineering curriculum, training opportunities include seminar series, journal clubs, and other enrichment and outreach activities. The primary participating departments in this training program are the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Perelman School of Medicine and the Department of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Both departments have grown significantly over the past five years in terms of numbers of faculty, grant funding, and trainees. Six predoctoral trainees are requested in this continuation grant. It should be noted that the predoctoral trainees work in a structured, yet flexible environment while completing course requirements toward the Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering. Despite the fact that the Ph.D. program is typically five years in total duration, typically, only two years, and not the first year, will be supported by this training grant so that positions can be made available for new trainees to grow the program. There are three primary training sites for this training grant. The first primary site is the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory in Stemmler Hall in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the second is the Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, and the third is the orthopaedic research unit in Skirkanich Hall in the Department of Bioengineering. These facilities represent >85% of the dedicated training space for the program. Finally, it should be noted that the University of Pennsylvania operates a large number of state-of-the-art, sophisticated core facilities that are available to faculty and trainees.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2025 · 1976-07

University of Pennsylvania Vision Training Program, Project Summary We propose to continue a broad, interdisciplinary Vision Training Program (VTP) now in its 45th year. The program includes 25 trainers in 8 departments across 4 schools with expansive expertise in many areas of vision science and ophthalmology including: the eye (optics, cornea); phototransduction (biophysics, molecular biology); retina (circuitry, neurochemistry, developmental genetics, disease, gene therapy, optogenetics); central pathways (physiology, computation, neuroimaging); and higher processes (psychophysics, cognitive neuroscience, computation). The purpose the VTP is to promote intellectual development of outstanding trainees interested in the visual sciences so that they may ultimately become leaders in their chosen disciplines. Our most recent renewal of the VTP supported predoctoral trainees only; we propose to expand our training group to include postdoctoral fellows in the upcoming cycle. Predoctoral admissions to PENN are highly competitive with top tier students admitted under a “graduate group” which oversees the broad coursework completed over the first two years of study, laboratory rotations, and placement in research labs. Postdoctoral fellows are admitted directly to laboratories by the individual Principle Investigators. The VTP typically accepts predoctorate students from the Neuroscience, Psychology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Bioengineering graduate groups who are in their third year of training and have completed their coursework, passed a candidacy/qualifying exam, and joined a research lab devoted to Vision Science or Ophthalmology. Postdocs will be accepted to the VTP in their initial appointment years. Because trainees come from these different academic backgrounds, the VTP is critical for providing a unified program encompassing a broad array of topics yet providing an in depth education on state-of-the-art approaches for studying Ophthalmology and Vision Science. In addition to the rigorous and impactful research projects expected of our trainees, the VTP includes a Vision Seminar Series (comprised of visiting external faculty and scientists), the PENN Vision club (comprised of speakers from PENN), and the Vision Retreat (including student speakers and a visiting Scholar-in- Residence). This cycle we also are adding a series of workshops on “Research Methods in Vision Science from Cornea to Cortex” which will include opportunities for trainees to shadow ophthalmology clinics, gain experience with retinal imaging in humans and animal models, observe neurophysiology, neural recording and neuroimaging experiments, and learn statistical approaches for ophthalmology and vision science including considerations for inter-eye correlation. Postdoctoral trainees will also join a “Grant Proposal Success” group which serves as a mock study section. In the past 10 years, the Vision Training Program has trained or is training 18 PhD/MD or PhDs with most continuing their careers at prominent research institutions. The impact of our training program has been widespread, adding significantly to our understanding of vision in health and disease.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2024 · 1975-07

Abstract The major goal of this training program, which entered its 45th year in September 2019, is to successfully train young investigators in a career in biomedical research pertaining to lymphocyte biology, ranging from cancer immunotherapy to neoplastic transformation. This competitive application is especially timely given that results from Penn-based immunotherapy trials were markedly effective in treating leukemia, a result that contributed to two FDA-approved drugs. The Penn training program sits at the nexus of the NCI-designated Abramson Cancer Center and the Institute for Immunology to offer multi-disciplinary training in both basic and translational research related to cancer immunobiology. Drs. Pear (Program Director) and Beatty (Program Co- Director) will provide the sustained leadership required for continued development of top-tier cancer immunobiology training at Penn and have an administrative structure that oversees the needs of the training program, assisted by an Internal Executive Committee and an External Advisory Board and complemented by individual research trainee advisory committees. Our training faculty are in multiple departments campus-wide, including the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Wistar Institute, and have diverse interests that are focused on cancer immunobiology. Common among our trainers is successful mentoring, independent funding, continued productivity and projects relevant to cancer immunobiology. Our 2 predoctoral and 8 postdoctoral trainees are competitively selected and are expected to meet high standards of competence, motivation and perseverance, and have a commitment to a research career in cancer immunobiology. Recruitment of qualified trainees from diverse backgrounds is high priority. The training program is anchored in an intensive laboratory experience with a rigorous mentor. The laboratory experience is complemented by basic lecture courses in immunology and related disciplines, advanced seminar courses in various aspects of cancer immunobiology, cancer biology and bioethics, seminars from visiting scientists and Penn faculty, research conferences, workshops and retreats. Programs developed specifically for our trainees include , a monthly research-in-progress meeting, a tumor immunobiology journal club, clinical connection experiences, an annual retreat and special symposia, and training in the responsible conduct of research. Ultimately we will continue to meet our twin goals of supporting the research and training of young scientists with new or established interests in cancer immunobiology and providing a rich and rigorous training environment in cancer immunobiology that provides multi-disciplinary training in cancer biology and immunology.

NIH Research Projects · FY 2024 · 1975-07

PROJECT SUMMARY The number of physician-scientists in the United States has been steadily declining, and there is a need for more basic and translational investigators focused on digestive, pancreatic, and liver related research. Since 1963, the Training Program in Gastrointestinal Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Penn) has been instrumental in developing academic research careers for gastroenterology trainees. Training Program and Environment: The cornerstone of the program is an intensive laboratory- based research experience (basic and translational), which entails close interaction with a Training Program faculty mentor with guidance and oversight by a research advisory committee and program leadership. Laboratory work is supplemented by a robust educational curriculum, and trainees benefit from the exceptional resources and environment within the NIH P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases at Penn and the Penn and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Gastroenterology (GI) Divisions. Training Program Directors: The Program Director (Dr. Jonathan Katz) and Associate Director (Dr. Gary Wu) have extensive experience in biomedical research education and training and are guided by an Internal Advisory Board and an External Advisory Board composed of local and national thought leaders. Preceptors/Mentors: With additional enrichment of the research base since the prior renewal, the Training Program has continued to both expand and refine the pool of faculty mentors. Faculty mentors are selected from the Penn and CHOP GI divisions, as well as basic science departments, based upon experience with trainees, independent and extramurally funded laboratories (or for junior mentors, independent and emerging research programs), and relevant projects in digestive, liver, and pancreatic diseases. Currently, the Training Program has 31 program faculty, providing expertise across gastroenterology, hepatology, and pancreatology. Women comprise 39% of these program faculty, and 13% are members of racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in science and medicine. Trainees: Outstanding postdoctoral trainees, mostly M.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. physician-scientists from Penn and CHOP GI Fellowship Programs and occasionally other fellows or postdoctoral Ph.D. scientists from Penn and CHOP GI labs, are selected through a nationally competitive application process. Over the past 5 years, 27% of trainees selected for the program have been members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and 40% have been women. Training Record: The Penn Training Program in Gastrointestinal Sciences maintains a record of success, reflected, for example, by the receipt of career development awards (e.g. 13 trainees and recent program graduates currently hold career development awards), publications in high-impact journals, and eventual transitions to become independent investigators. Thus, the Penn Training Program in Gastrointestinal Sciences provides an ideal environment, with proven success, to train the next generation of basic and translational researchers in digestive, pancreatic, and liver diseases.

Other NSERC · FY 2024

Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, Generalization, Inhibition, Memory, Learning, Hippocampus, GABA, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, fMRI

Other NSERC · FY 2024

MEMS, RFID, integrated acoustics, antenna design, sensor system, wireless communication system, radio-frequency engineering