Research Education & Training Programs

HVRC Training Activities

There are three active NIH or Department of Education-funded training programs focused on increasing diversity, sponsored by the HVRC.  The first is the "Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program" (PREP) under the direction of Dr. Debra Diz.  This NIGMS funded training program has 9 slots for trainees.  The unique aspects of this training program are to provide a transition between undergraduate and graduate school for under-represented minorities.  The second training grant is the "Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences" (EICS) summer program for minority students.  This program funded by NHLBI funds 12 positions for summer research experiences.  This program has been in existence for 19 years.  A new program provides opportunities for science majors to visit Brazil. The "Translational Biomedical Sciences Training For Underrepresented Minors (TBS)" program is for graduate and undergraduate students from WFU, WFSM, WSSU and NCCUto participate in independent study in Brazil and experience Brazilian culture and language.  Brazilian students from partner institutions come to WFSM for a 4-6 month reciprocal exchange.

Additional training includes graduate level and post-doctoral opportunities.

Faculty in the Center serve as training faculty in 18 of the 22 funded institutional training programs, and are directors of 8 different training programs.  Trainees from all four biomedical science tracks are supported in laboratories of the Hypertension & Vascular Research Center faculty.  Faculty members participate in graduate education as thesis advisors and committee members throughout the graduate school.  National and international scholars hold post-doctoral fellowships with members of the faculty and a long-standing relationship with investigators from foreign countries ensures a strong program in post-graduate education.   Information on WFSM graduate programs can  be found at:  http://www2.wfubmc.edu/graduate/.  Information about availability of post-doctoral or other training opportunities can be obtained by contacting the particular faculty member of interest.