The Molecular Endocrinology Training Program (METP) is a combined predoctoral and postdoctoral training program that began in 1988 and is now in its 29th year of NIDDK funding. The METP was directed by Dr. Daryl Granner from 1988-2004 and has been directed by Dr. Richard O'Brien since 2004. |
The METP has a highly successful record in achieving its stated goal, namely the training of individuals for careers in molecular endocrinology-related research. Of the 150+ predoctoral trainees that have been supported by the METP over the duration of the program, many have gone on to obtain academic positions, work in biotech/pharmaceutical industries, hold technical positions in research laboratories, pursue clinical practice, teach, go into business, or work as science writers, government researchers, university administrators, non-governmental science or health agency staff.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The METP is composed of thirty faculty members from seven basic science departments. Of this group twenty-six are tenured faculty with stable, well-funded programs and extensive training experience and four are new investigators. The preceptor group constitutes an unusually diverse and talented group of individuals whose work covers the spectrum of molecular endocrinology. These preceptors conduct research in the general areas of (1) signal transduction, (2) the hormonal regulation of gene expression, (3) metabolic regulation, and (4) beta cell development and function.
The METP funds eight predoctoral and four postdoctoral trainees each year. All METP trainees are nominated by a preceptor and then appointed upon the recommendation of the METP Steering Committee. Predoctoral trainees join the METP after one year in either the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) or Quantitative & Chemical Biology Program (QCB). Postdoctoral trainees are recruited by individual labs. METP support is initially provided for one year, but a second year of support is usually forthcoming contingent upon satisfactory progress. Rigorous in-depth research training is the focus of both the predoctoral and postdoctoral training programs.
CURRENT TRAINEES
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Jamie Garcia, PhD Graduate Institution: Duke University Project Title: Preceptor: Alyssa Hasty, PhD
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John William Deaver, PhD Graduate Institution: University of Arkansas Project Title: Preceptor: David Wasserman, PhD
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ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
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Through the combined efforts of the IGP, QCB and METP, predoctoral trainees receive a broad didactic education. The Office of Biomedical Research Education & Training (BRET) provides introductory laboratory and animal safety and offers extensive career development resources and programming for both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. The BRET office also coordinates Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Symposia to supplement lab and program-based RCR.
Requirements for
predoctoral METP trainees include:
- Completion of the Molecular Endocrinology (MPB 8327) and Tutorials in Physiology (MPB 8324) courses; the latter provides training in grant writing as required by NIH regulations
- Attendance and research presentation at the annual METP Day retreat and, where appropriate, the Diabetes Research Day retreat
- Attendance at monthly trainee-run METP Data Club
- If requested, teach a flextime session in the first year Molecular Aspects of Obesity and Diabetes (MPB 8333) Spring Elective
- Participation in the Introduction to RCR Symposium arranged by the BRET Office every two years
- Inclusion of a METP preceptor on the thesis committee in addition to the research mentor
- Discussion with thesis committee the potential for the preparation and submission of successful applications for an individual fellowship or independent research project grant
Requirements for
postdoctoral METP trainees include:
- Completion of biosafety, animal safety, environmental safety and radiation safety training, as appropriate. Links to training modules can be found on the postdoctoral affairs website.
- Completion of coursework in grant writing offered by the BRET Office, as required by NIH regulations
- Attendance and research presentation at the annual METP Day retreat and, where appropriate, the Diabetes Research Day retreat
- Attendance at monthly trainee-run METP Data Club
- If requested, teach a flextime session in the first year Molecular Aspects of Obesity and Diabetes (MPB 8333) Spring Elective
- Participation in the Introduction to RCR Symposium arranged by the BRET Office every two years; assistance with small group facilitation when requested by Drs. O'Brien and Gannon
- Formation of a postdoctoral mentoring committee, composed of their preceptor, the METP Director and one other METP preceptor, to obtain additional feedback and guidance in their research; this committee meets every 6 months
- Discussion with postdoctoral mentoring committee the potential for the preparation and submission of successful applications for an individual fellowship or independent research project grant during the first year
- Completion of a minimum of 2 years of research training to satisfy NIH payback service requirements
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Program Director
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Director of Graduate Studies, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Program Associate Director
Professor of Medicine, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, and Cell & Developmental Biology
Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Medicine
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A key feature of the METP, and indeed Vanderbilt as a whole, is the fact that faculty preceptors are extremely interactive such that scientific collaborations are common, often involving graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. Several weekly data clubs exist, involving multiple METP preceptors and trainees, which foster interactions between trainees and preceptors and provide trainees with a valuable opportunity to present and receive feedback on their research data.
The training experience available to METP trainees is markedly enriched by the presence of the NIDDK-funded Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center. Many trainees also benefit from assistance by the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC), a unique resource that supports cutting edge metabolic research in mice.
Pre- and postdoctoral trainees who are interested in coupling basic science research with clinical problems have the option to enroll in the Vanderbilt Program in Molecular Medicine. This innovative program provides a personalized approach that aims to train a new generation of biomedical researchers with the skills necessary for understanding and developing breakthroughs in clinical research fields. Postdoctoral trainees considering a career in patient-oriented research also have the option to enroll in the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Program at Vanderbilt.
The METP recently established the Vanderbilt Summer Diabetes Research Program (VSDRP), one of several programs integrated into the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy, to increase visibility of diabetes research and encourage more predoctoral students to pursue training in molecular endocrinology. The VSSA provides instruction in preparing for the GRE and organizes multiple enrichment sessions relating to graduate school applications and careers in the biosciences. Finally, through the Summer Science Symposium, at which trainees present their research, and the various social events it organizes, the VSSA also provides trainees with the opportunity to meet and discuss their science with individuals in other summer research programs. To foster a connection between VSDRP trainees and the METP, each undergraduate student is assigned an METP trainee to act as a mentor during their summer at Vanderbilt.
The METP strives to recruit and train of individuals from underrepresented minorities and disabled students. As such, METP faculty members interact with the Middle Tennessee chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the College Diabetes Network to actively recruit trainees with type 1 diabetes to the VSDRP.
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The METP has supported the careers of many trainees who have gone onto successful careers in science. The following examples focus on individuals who have obtained academic positions or jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, though METP trainees have had successful careers in many other areas of science including science writing, government service, medicine or health charity administration.
Sam Pfaff
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1988-1991
Current Position: Professor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CACharles Davis
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1988-1989
Current Position: Associate Professor, Penn State Hershey Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PAC. Michael Jones
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1988-1990
Current Position: Chief Science Officer, Aluminaid, Republic of SingaporeLincoln Potter
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1988-1990
Current Position: Professor, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MNStephanie Schroeder
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1989-1991
Current Position: Chair & Associate Professor, Webster University, St. Louis, MOEdouard Noisin
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1989-1990
Current Position: President Executive, Universite Roi Henri Christophe, HaitiSabina Kupershmidt
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1990-1992
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Nursing, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SDRobin Reed
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1990-1993
Current Position: Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TNJon Jackson
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1991-1992
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, NDTom Jetton
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1991-1993
Current Position: Professor of Medicine-Endocrinology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VTMark Alexandrow
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1991-1993
Current Position: Assistant Member, Program in Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FLBart Lutterbach
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1991-1995
Current Position: Associate Principal Scientist, Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, MAPeter Lucas
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1992-1994
Current Position: Associate Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PADana Sindelar
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1992-1995
Current Position: Principal Research Scientist, Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, INDeAnne Cravaritis
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1993-1994
Current Position: Staff Scientist, Research Science Center, NCBI, Bethesda, MDBlair McNeill
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1993-1995
Current Position: Principal Process Development Scientist, Alkermes, Wilmington, OHLi Yang
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1994-1996
Current Position: Senior Investigator, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Head, Tumor Microenvironment Section, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MDMatthew Pete
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1994-1996
Current Position: Senior Scientist, Alkermes Inc., Lebanon OHKevin Gerrish
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1994-1996
Current Position: Scientist, Microarray Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIEHS, Triangle Park, NCClaes Bavik
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1995-1997
Current Position: Associate Director, Biology, Acucela, Seattle, WAAmy Halseth
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1995-1997
Current Position: Vice President, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Orexigen Therapeutics San Diego, CAJon Partridge
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1995-1997
Current Position: Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DCChristine Donmoyer
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1996-1998
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Biology, Allegheny College, Meadville, PASteven Sanders
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1996-1998
Current Position: Director of Molecular Biology, Cibus US LLC, San Diego CARyan Streeper
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1996-1998
Current Position: Research Investigator, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research Boston, MAMary Waltner Law
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1997-1999
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, FLErin Eaton
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1997-1999
Current Position: Associate Professor of Biology, Francis Marion University, Florence, SCDale Edgerton
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1997-1999
Current Position: Research Associate Professor, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNJeremy Richman
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1998-2000
Previous Position: Associate Director, Arena Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA
Current Position: Founder, Director the Avielle Foundation, Newtown, CTJulio Ayala
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1998-2000
Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNJennifer Busch
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1998-2000
Current Position: Associate Professor of Biology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, ILAnthony Couvillon
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1998-2000
Current Position: Development Scientist, Cell Signaling Technology, Danvers, MAStephanie Sherck Gustavson
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1998-2001
Current Position: Director, CVMD Global Medicines Development AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MDRenee Ireton
Predoctoral METP Trainee 1999-2001
Current Position: Assistant Director of Research, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Dept. of Immunology, Seattle, WAMaureen Gannon
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 1999-2001
Current Position: Professor, METP Associate Director, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNJohn LeLay
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2000-2002
Current Position: Scientist at MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MDRichard Pencek
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2000-2002
Current Position: Senior Director, Clinical Research at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CAAlfred Robison
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2000-2002
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MILeigh Carmody
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2001-2003
Current Position: Research Project Manager at The Jackson Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CTJ. Chris Cooper
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2001-2003
Current Position: Research Scientist, Glycosensors and Diagnostics LLC, Athens, GAChristopher Williams
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2001-2002
Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNRen Jin
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2001-2003
Current Position: Research Assistant Professor, Urologic Surgery Department, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNRajnish Gupta
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2001-2002
Current Position: Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TNPeter Wiebe
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2002-2004
Current Position: Manager Data Analytics, Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, ILMichael Bowen
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2003-2004
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Dept of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TXBrian Linggi
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2003-2005
Current Position: Systems Pharmacology and Biomarkers, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, San Diego, CAKathryn Stettler Johnson
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2003-2005
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Biology, Beloit College, Beloit, WIMichael Blaha
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2004-2005
Current Position: Director of Clinical Research, Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Assistant Prof. of Medicine, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MDLatsavongsak Sethaphong
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2004-2006
Current Position: Lieutenant, Department of Chemistry, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MDKeely Gilroy
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2004-2006
Current Position: Executive Clinical Science Liaison, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Atlanta, GASusanne Tranguch
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2005-2007
Current Position: Assistant Dean for Biomedical Science, Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NYRyan Burnette
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2005-2007
Current Position: Director, Alliance Biosciences, Richmond, VAEric Berglund
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2006-2008
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TXCorey Fowler
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2006-2007
Current Position: Clinical Program Manager at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies, New York, NYLara Nyman
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2006-2008
Current Position: Associate Principal Scientist, R & D Manager, Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Barrington, ILJason Winnick
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2007-2008
Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OHElizabeth Tweedie-Ables
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2007-2009
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NCKatie Colbert Coate
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2008-2009
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Samford University, Samford, ALDario Gutierrez
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2008-2009
Current Position: Immunobiology Leader, Merck Research Labs, Cambridge Exploratory Science Center, Cambridge, MAKimberly Mulligan
Predoctoral METP Trainee 2008-2009
Current Position: COSAM Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Auburn University, Auburn, ALDavid DeGraff
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2008-2009
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PAJoan Garrett
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2008-2010
Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OHTara Schwetz
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2009-2011
Current Position: Senior Advisor to the Principal Deputy Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDJulien Sebag
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2010-2012
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IAEmily Stanley
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2011-2012
Current Position: Scientist, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Kansas City, MOTravis Cyphert
Postdoctoral METP Trainee 2013-2015
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Marshall University, Huntington, WVJamal Bryant
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G4)Matthew Cottam
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G4)Slavina Goleva
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G4)Sarah Milian
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G5)Andrea Perreault
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G5)Corey Seacrist
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G5)Kayla Shumate
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G5)Shannon Townsend
Predoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Student (Rising G4)Molly Altman
Postdoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Adjunct Faculty, College of Pharmacy, Belmont UniversityAnel Jaramillo
Postdoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Postdoc (Danny Winder lab)P. Mason McClatchey
Postdoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Scientist, Sigilon Therapeutics, Inc.Joshua Neuman
Postdoctoral METP Trainee
Current Position: Medical Liaison, Pediatric Endocrinology, Novo Nordisk