We request support for training in Columbia's University-wide Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B). The goals of this program, established in 1995, are two-fold: First, to prepare exceptional predoctoral students for productive careers in neuroscience research and related fields; and Second, to train scientists who seek to broaden our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of the nervous system and the many disorders that affect it. We achieve this through a multidisciplinary training program aimed to provide students with a solid foundation in rigorous experimental design and strong quantitative and analytical skills, coupled with broad based knowledge of neuroscience and allied disciplines. The first year begins with a student run orientation ? ?Bootcamp? ? which introduces trainees to current research approaches. During the first year, students take Analysis for Neuroscientists, which lays a foundation for rigorous research during three laboratory rotations and subsequent thesis research. A year-long Survey of Neuroscience course provides an in-depth introduction to Cellular and Molecular neuroscience during the Fall semester and to Systems and Developmental Neuroscience during the Spring, ensuring core knowledge for all students independent of prior academic background. By the end of their first year in the program students select a mentor to guide their thesis research. In their second year, students begin thesis research, develop a research proposal, select two advanced elective courses, and take a qualifying exam. Research progress is monitored by the mentor, Co-Directors, the student?s thesis committee, and a Student Progress Committee. Students gain professional skills in writing, presenting, and cutting-edge research techniques through research-in-progress talks, a weekly seminar series, skills-based nanocourses, journal clubs, and a program retreat. These events also ensure an active and cohesive community of mentors and students. Students participate in nationally- recognized outreach programs including NeuWrite and Columbia University Neuroscience Outreach (CUNO). The program is administered by the Department of Neuroscience, and is strongly interdisciplinary with 63 participating faculty from departments across the Health Sciences campus, Schools of Arts and Sciences/Engineering, and the Zuckerman Institute. Mentor labs provide a broad range of research topics and training opportunities for NB&B students. The program receives feedback from External, Internal, and Student Advisory Committees. Between 2013-2019 we received an average of 423 applications per year, with 64% of these training grant eligible. In 2019 we accepted 35 students and 18 will enroll, for a 51% yield. We actively recruit applicants from underrepresented groups and between 2-8 have matriculated annually over the last 10 years. Graduates go on to make substantial contributions to biomedical research within academia and in science-allied careers outside of academia. We request stipend and tuition support for 10 students total in years 1 and 2.
Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving discipline that requires rigorous fundamental training to broaden our understanding of the nervous system and the many incurable and debilitating disorders that impact it. The goal of the proposed program is to provide doctoral students a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training program buoyed by strong quantitative and analytical training to produce the next generation of neuroscientists to tackle these important problems.
