Principal Investigator/Training Grant Director: James Melvin

The primary objective of this program is to provide research-intensive training in cell and molecular biology to individuals who wish to pursue careers in Oral Science. Specific areas of research emphasis will include

1. gene regulation,
2. cellular signal transduction,
3. structure/function relationships of macromolecules, and
4. cellular and developmental biology.

First priority will be given to trainees who have an earned dental degree (DDS or equivalent) who wish to pursue Ph.D.-level training in cellular and molecular biology. Second priority will be given to dentist Ph.D.s who have a desire for post-doctoral training in cell and molecular biology. Third priority will be given to predoctoral candidates who express an interest in some aspect of Oral Science. Fourth priority will be given to individuals with an earned Ph.D. who wish to additional post-doctoral training in the area of oral cell and molecular biology.

Trainees will be selected on the basis of their academic records, recommendations from past sponsors, and their commitment to a research career in oral science. Special effort will be made to recruit members of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities. Given the multidisciplinary nature of Oral Science, Ph.D.-level dissertation research training is available in any cluster whose participating members are identified as training grant faculty. These trainers have well-funded active research programs which emphasize integration of modern molecular, cellular biology which cuts across traditional boundaries. Didactic course requirements will depend, to some extent, on the cluster selected. Specific course work in Dental Science will be integrated with the prescribed cluster-based curriculum. All trainees will receive formal instruction in responsible conduct of research.

The University of Rochester is a research-intensive institution with a long tradition and commitment to training graduate dentists. Students trained in this program are expected to be highly prepared to continue on to independent careers in Oral Science research.

Crisp Entry for T32 DE007202