EXCEED THE SPACE PROVIDED. Tliis training grant application seeks continuation of support for a successful program whose objective is to recruit and train well-qualifiedpredoctoral students in mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. In training such individuals, the program emphasizes both the microbial and host side of pathogenesis since the two, and their interplay, are so intimately connected in causing disease. Students will have a wide choice in dissertation projects since nineteen different microorganisms are being investigated in the fourteen preceptor labs and a range of components of the host defense systems are being studied. Importantly, about half of the preceptor faculty participate in studies on both sides of pathogenesis. There is a good mix of well-established and junior investigators and all of the preceptors have extramural research grants. One strength of this application is the collaborations that have already been established among the participating faculty which provide multidisciplinary training opportunities for the students. All of the preceptor laboratories are appropriately equipped to perform cutting edge research and the university supports eleven different core facilities plus two BL-3 areas, including one for animal work. During the previous ten years, this training program has provided critical support for 20 students, many of whom are now making significant contributions to infectious disease research as independent investigators in academia and industry. In the midst of a general downward trend in the number of U.S. applicants to graduate schools, the strength of the program in Microbiology is evidenced by its ability to attract increasing numbers of qualified applicants. This is due, in part, to the emphasis on recruiting using Departmental resources. Importantly, our program has made, and will continue to make, a commitment to the recruitment and training of minority and women students. In the past three years, 17% of our U.S. applications were from minority students and almost half of those applicants were offered admission. Because South Texas is one of the fastest growing areas of the country, the Training Grant preceptors are keenly aware of the opportunities for recruiting minority students and are eager to meet the challenges in training them for the benefit of this region and the U.S. Another strength of our training program is its emphasis on improving the communication skills of the trainees in a variety of formats. A unique aspect in the training atmosphere of the Microbiology students at UTHSCSA is the fact that they can play an important role in the scientific training of local K-12 science teachers who participate in our Evening MS Program. Given the overall strong record of our training program, the increasing pool of qualified applicants and the opportunity for and commitment to training minorities, we are requesting support for the training of six predoctoral students. PERFORMANCE SITE ========================================Section End===========================================
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