New grant supports scholar training in movement disorders research
The University of Florida has received a nearly $1 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to train future movement disorders scientists.
The Predoctoral Interdisciplinary Training in Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration program will train 12 doctoral students to become independent researchers whose work will lead to new treatments for Parkinson鈥檚 disease, dystonia, tremor and ataxia.
, a professor in the in the , and a professor in the in the , serve as the training program directors.
鈥淎cross the nation there is a shortage of well-trained scientists who have expertise in clinical and basic science research methods, interventions and clinical outcome measures, and who can capitalize on collaborations across these areas to promote the understanding and eventual cure of people with debilitating movement disorders,鈥� Bowers said.
The University of Florida is the ideal home for a training program in movement disorders, the directors say, because of the wealth of resources and expertise on campus, including a large number of leading movement disorders researchers, designated centers of excellence for Parkinson鈥檚 disease, dystonia and ataxia, and the , an internationally known clinical research facility.
, a professor of and co-director of the , and , a UF professor of neuroscience and the director of , are the training program鈥檚 co-directors.
Program trainees will choose one of three focus areas for their work: molecular biology and animal models; translational neuroscience and physiology; or human movement and cognitive neuroscience. Program mentors include 20 UF faculty members from the colleges of Engineering, Medicine, 网红黑料 and Human Performance and Public 网红黑料 and 网红黑料 Professions who will help trainees develop an individualized career development plan. The program is designed to increase interaction between trainees with clinical and basic science backgrounds and give each trainee a solid foundation in research methodology and data presentation.
鈥淭he training will provide a broad understanding of a specific movement disorder from genetics to cells, circuits and clinical presentation of a person,鈥� Vaillancourt said. 鈥淚t will also provide exposure to motor, cognitive and emotional features of movement disorders. We hope to build a cadre of rigorously trained, scientifically competent and innovative young scientists.鈥�
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