Training Program in Immunology

ABSTRACT The Mayo Clinic Immunology Ph.D. Training Program seeks to train leaders for the next generation of immunologists. This training grant proposal requests support for 6 pre-doctoral students who will be trained in a productive biomedical research program supported by a premier academic not-for-profit medical institution. The highly productive training faculty provide a rich training environment with basic and clinical investigators combining studies of fundamental immunology with translational potential. The training program has an exemplary track record in preparing students to succeed in scientific careers. Of all students who have successfully completed our Ph.D. Training Program , 98.9% have remained in science, science-related fields or medicine. 54.9% of those graduates currently hold academic rank, a rate almost twice the national average. Students in the program receive advanced training in primary literature and cutting edge technology focused coursework and electives in a multidisciplinary setting. Milestones in the program place emphasis on each trainee mastering the skills needed to formulate critical questions, and devising experimental strategies to provide definitive insights into the questions being addressed. Students learn to communicate ideas and research findings effectively using oral and written formats and practice these skills in classroom settings, in grantsmanship courses, at national and international scientific meetings, and by publishing original research articles in scientific journals. The typical training period for trainees supported by this grant is 5.2 years, capped by mentoring for the next phases of their developing careers.