Since its inception in April 2017, the BREATHE T32 Training Program has made great strides! This combined pre- and postdoctoral training program is focused on the respiratory neuromuscular system, emphasizing discovery of new knowledge and its translation to severe clinical disorders that compromise breathing capacity, stability and airway defense. In just 4 years, we established an internationally known training program with a “unique focus, unlike any other” (NIH reviewer). Seven trainees, as well as 2 additional trainees generously match-funded by the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the McKnight Brain Institute, are currently funded by BREATHE; 13 trainees have already graduated from the program. Of these graduates, all remain in academic, biomedical or research positions, including a K99 awardee, an assistant professor/K12 scholar, a clinical research director, a grant writer and several postdoctoral fellows.
With this incredible cohort of trainees and the leadership of Director Gordon Mitchell, Curriculum Coordinator Leo Ferreira, and Clinical Coordinator Emily Plowman, we have now been renewed with a perfect score of 10 and an additional postdoctoral position! We are looking forward to mentoring the next slate of trainees and continuing to foster collaborations and career development within the BREATHE community.