The objective of this predoctoral and postdoctoral training program in environmental pathology is to educate a new generation of environmental pathologists to use the tools of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and systems biology to study basic mechanisms of disease related to environmental exposures. The central focus is an independent laboratory research project to explore the pathogenesis of altered reproductive function, altered developmental and neurobehavioral outcomes, cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis resulting from environmental exposure to industrial wastes and contaminants including metals, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, VOCs, PCBs, particulates, and nanomaterials, as well as household air pollutants. Support is requested for 6 predoctoral trainees enrolled in the Pathobiology Graduate Program at Brown University and for 3 postdoctoral trainees for up to three years. Predoctoral trainees will be recruited with majors in biology, chemistry, toxicology, or environmental sciences and a commitment to basic research on mechanisms of disease and environmental health. Postdoctoral trainees may hold doctoral degrees in a basic science discipline, pathology, or toxicology. Training is provided in molecular pathology, imaging, environmental toxicology, carcinogenesis, and alternatives to animal toxicity testing. Trainees will have the opportunity to develop their communication and teaching skills at the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning at Brown University. Didactic courses are supplemented by weekly research seminars, journal clubs, career development and grantsmanship workshops, and annual retreats. Opportunities are provided for translational research collaborations at Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants' Hospital, as well as field work and community outreach at existing industrial waste sites and Brownfields in Rhode Island. The faculty have active, well-funded research programs supported by ~30 active research grants, 3 training grants, 2 COBRE grants, and an NIEHS P42 Superfund Research Program. Trainees have access to modern research facilities equipped for quantitative imaging, laser capture microdissection, genomics and proteomics, flow cytometry, transgenic animals, and human tissue and specimen banks. These trainees will be prepared to apply their basic research expertise to the definition, analysis, and solution of complex environmental health problems working together with experts in epidemiology, toxicology, public health, and government regulatory agencies.

Public Health Relevance

This is an integrated, interdisciplinary educational and research training program for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees at Brown University and its affiliated hospitals. These trainees will apply state-of-the-art scientific tools to study basic mechanisms of human disease related to environmental exposures. Upon completion of this training program, these trainees will be prepared to identify, analyze, and solve complex environmental health problems working with interdisciplinary teams in universities, medical schools, industry, and government and regulatory agencies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32ES007272-27
Application #
9520078
Study Section
Environmental Health Sciences Review Committee (EHS)
Program Officer
Shreffler, Carol A
Project Start
1992-07-01
Project End
2022-06-30
Budget Start
2018-07-01
Budget End
2019-06-30
Support Year
27
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Brown University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001785542
City
Providence
State
RI
Country
United States
Zip Code
Dere, Edward; Anderson, Linnea M; Huse, Susan M et al. (2018) Effects of continuous bisphenol A exposure from early gestation on 90?day old rat testes function and sperm molecular profiles: A CLARITY-BPA consortium study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 347:1-9
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