Synapse Neurobiology Training Program

突触神经生物学培训计划

• 批准号: 9343054
• 负责人: Michele H. Jacob
• 金额: $ 16.77万
• 依托单位: TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2009
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2009-07-01 至 2019-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9343054
• 关键词: Neurobiology; Synapses; Training Programs

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Synaptic activity is central to all behavior, learning, and memory; synaptic dysfunction leads to neurological disorders such as epilepsy, autism, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and sleep disorders. Developing new therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating synaptic dysfunction requires a continuing cadre of young investigators well-trained in multidisciplinary techniques to address synaptic function. This application requests five years of continued funding for the Synapse Neurobiology Training Program (SNTP), to support 4 predoctoral trainees per year, selected from a pool of highly qualified applicants in years 3-5 of thesis research relevant to synaptic structure and function. Research on synaptic function and dysfunction are strengths of the 20 SNTP faculty mentors. In the first 4 years of the SNTP, 11 trainees received individualized, in-depth, multidisciplinary training, 3 have completed their PhD degree and are engaged in academic research, biotech, and teaching careers. In addition, 6 new faculty members were recruited to the Department of Neuroscience, expanding and strengthening the multifaceted research approaches being taught to SNTP trainees and providing a rich diversity of thesis research labs investigating synapse neurobiology and synaptic disorders. SNTP trainees have access to cutting-edge tools and training in a wide array of research approaches via the NINDS-funded Center for Neuroscience Research Cores (Imaging, Behavior, Genomics, and Electrophysiology). The SNTP is further strengthened by a new, stand-alone Neuroscience Program and a curriculum that increases the depth and breadth of trainees' exposure to fundamental concepts in neuroscience, with particular emphasis on the synapse. The new curriculum shifts focus from lecture-based teaching to interactive, discussion-oriented small group sessions with faculty and hands-on workshops that hone the trainees' critical thinking and technical skills. SNTP trainees have multiple opportunities to interact with physician scientists through coursework, collaborative research projects, and one-on-one interactions with clinicians. The latter activity represents a new initiative that provides SNTP trainees with an opportunity to learn about diseases most relevant to their thesis work. Trainees also benefit from a Career Paths seminar series that exposes them to the diverse post-PhD career options available and to help them start a personal contact network. Annual research seminars by trainees hone their presentation skills and reinforce the highly interactive environment that characterizes the Tufts neuroscience community. SNTP trainees are capable, proactive, and motivated scientists, as evidenced by awards, presentations at national meetings, and student-led outreach activities that include teaching workshops at high schools and colleges with large populations of students from underserved groups. The SNTP provides trainees with the solid multifaceted foundation they need to build successful research careers and contribute to knowledge of both healthy and diseased nervous systems.

描述（由申请人提供）：突触活动是所有行为、学习和记忆的核心；突触功能障碍会导致神经系统疾病，例如癫痫、自闭症、阿尔茨海默病、抑郁症和睡眠障碍。开发预防或治疗突触功能障碍的新治疗方法需要一支持续的年轻研究人员队伍，他们在多学科技术方面接受过良好的培训，以解决突触功能。该申请要求为突触神经生物学培训计划 (SNTP) 提供五年的持续资助，每年支持 4 名博士前培训生，他们是从高素质申请者中选出的，从事与突触结构和功能相关的论文研究第 3-5 年。突触功能和功能障碍的研究是 20 名 SNTP 导师的强项。在SNTP的前4年中，11名学员接受了个性化、深入、多学科的培训，3名学员完成了博士学位并从事学术研究、生物技术和教学工作。此外，神经科学系还招募了 6 名新教员，扩大和加强了向 SNTP 学员教授的多方面研究方法，并提供了研究突触神经生物学和突触疾病的丰富多样性的论文研究实验室。 SNTP 学员可以通过 NINDS 资助的神经科学研究核心中心（成像、行为、基因组学和电生理学）获得尖端工具和各种研究方法的培训。 SNTP 通过新的、独立的神经科学项目和课程得到进一步加强，该课程增加了学员接触神经科学基本概念的深度和广度，特别强调突触。新课程将重点从基于讲座的教学转向与教师互动、以讨论为导向的小组课程和实践研讨会，以磨练学员的批判性思维和技术技能。 SNTP 学员有多种机会通过课程作业、合作研究项目以及与临床医生的一对一互动与医师科学家互动。后一项活动代表了一项新举措，为 SNTP 学员提供了了解与其论文工作最相关的疾病的机会。学员还可以从职业道路研讨会系列中受益，该系列研讨会让他们了解各种可用的博士后职业选择，并帮助他们建立个人联系网络。学员举办的年度研究研讨会磨练了他们的演讲技巧，并强化了塔夫茨神经科学界特有的高度互动的环境。 SNTP 学员是有能力、积极主动、积极进取的科学家，所获奖项、在全国会议上的演讲以及学生主导的外展活动（包括在拥有大量来自服务不足群体的学生的高中和大学举办的教学研讨会）就证明了这一点。 SNTP 为学员提供了建立成功的研究生涯所需的坚实的多方面基础，并为健康和患病神经系统的知识做出贡献。