TRAINING PROGRAMS

Vanderbilt University has become a nationally recognized center for the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for research careers in environmental toxicology. Through a National Institutes of Health training grant as well as other support, the Center in Molecular Toxicology provides the opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral associates in the departments of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology to participate in programs emphasizing molecular aspects of toxicology.

GRADUATE STUDIES
Students completing bachelor's or master's degrees in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply for admission. Students accepted for graduate study receive yearly stipends as well as all tuition expenses. Graduate Record Examination scores on the aptitude sections and one advanced test, transcripts, and three letters of reference are required for admission. Depending upon individual areas of interest, graduate students may apply to one of the following graduate school programs: 1) the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, 2) the Department of Chemistry, or 3) the Chemical and Physical Biology Program. Students must fulfill normal Ph.D. requirements in their home department (Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Pathology, or Pharmacology).

Students admitted to the toxicology program rotate through several Center Investigators' laboratories, depending upon interests, during the first year of study and then choose a permanent preceptor. All students in the toxicology program (which leads to a doctorate or master's degree) are required to enroll in a 3-credit-hour course on chemical and biochemical toxicology and carcinogenesis. The course covers basic principles and mechanisms, metabolism and enzymology, molecular biology, chemistry of reactive intermediates, and a survey of several classes of environmentally important compounds. Graduate students also complete the course of study of their home department and then must pass a written comprehensive examination. In addition to the basic course work, students attend internal and external seminar programs and research group meetings on a weekly basis. The candidate's training focuses on the exploration of an original research problem designed to provide experience in techniques, methodology, and approach to toxicological research. Some of the major areas of investigation relating to environmental toxicology are enzymatic oxidation and conjugation, oxidative damage, DNA adduct chemistry, mechanisms of mutagenesis, structural and regulatory biology, analytic method development, and neurotoxicology. An oral defense of the research dissertation completes the requirements for graduation.

Financial Aid
The Center in Molecular Toxicology provides opportunities for graduate students in the Departments of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology through a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) training grant and other mechanisms of support. Students accepted for graduate study receive yearly stipends, as well as tuition and fee waivers. The NIEHS grant (NIH T32 ES007028, Training Program in Environmental Toxicology) supports only a part of the total pool of pre- and postdoctoral trainees. Other sources of support include individual research grants awarded to Center Investigators, University teaching assistantships (Chemistry Department only), competitively-awarded University fellowships, other training funds available through the Center, other training grants available to some Center Investigators (cancer, pharmacology, biophysics, reproductive biology), the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (first 9 months), direct NIH, NSF, and other fellowships, and awards from foreign governments. In addition, university fellowships and scholarships for underrepresented minorities are available and awarded on a competitive basis. Stipend levels are at or above NIH levels for both pre- and postdoctoral trainees.

Applying
Application may be made directly to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP), Department of Chemistry, or the Chemical and Physical Biology Program. Criteria may vary among these three programs, so please visit the individual graduate program sites for detailed information regarding the application process.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH
Individuals interested in postdoctoral study should communicate directly with a faculty member in their area of interest. Such postdoctoral research associateships are generally for two- or three-year terms. The usual requirement for a postdoctoral research associate is a Ph.D. with a major or strong minor in biochemistry, chemistry, or pharmacology. Appropriate postdoctoral trainees with an M.D. or D.V.M. will also be accepted. Each postdoctoral trainee is involved in research under the supervision of a faculty member in order to gain expertise in a specific area. The postdoctoral trainee is encouraged to attend formal course offerings in toxicology, to participate in the research and literature seminars on toxicology, and to audit other formal .

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Undergraduate summer training opportunities are available on an informal basis. While the Center in Molecular Toxicology does not have funds to directly support undergraduate summer training, inquiries are accepted and every attempt is made to match the applicant with a faculty member who has support and space available.

For Vanderbilt University undergraduate admissions information, please contact:
Admissions
Vanderbilt University

2305 West End Ave.

Nashville, TN 37203-1700

Phone: (615) 322-2561

Fax: (615) 343-7765