Learning, Memory, and Plasticity (LaMP) Training Program & Grant
The Learning Memory and Plasticity (LaMP) Training Program at UC Davis aims to train the next generation of neuroscientists to bridge the gaps between the major levels of LaMP research (cognitive, systems, and cellular/molecular), in order to promote our understanding of LaMP disorders. The 2-year training program covers 6 main components:
(1) Trainees will conduct research in at least one of the LaMP faculty labs and will be co-mentored by another trainer from a distinct area of LaMP research.
(2) Trainees will be exposed to the essential and emerging concepts in each of the fields of LaMP through a 2-quarter core course consisting of interactive lectures as well as lab-based immersion to give trainees the tools to understand the pros and cons of both the concepts and methods used at each level of analysis.
(3) Trainees will also be exposed to LaMP disorders through a course consisting of didactic and interview/video sessions that span clinical, cognitive, systems and molecular aspects of each disease.
(4) Trainees will receive targeted career development training through a meeting every other week with Program Trainers, emphasizing critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, presentation skills, formal discussion of research-related careers outside of academia, and pressing issues in the field such as data analysis, ethics, and rigor and reproducibility.
(5) Trainees will receive extensive training in grant writing, followed by a mock study section prior to submission of their NRSA in the first quarter of their second year of funding.
(6) Trainees will participate in an annual program retreat and attend an invited LaMP speaker series.
Through these elements, this new LaMP Training Program will produce a new generation of scientists who truly think across levels and scales and who have the skills, drive, and motivation to work collaboratively to tackle the most important issues in learning, memory, and plasticity in order to improve human health. Eligibility of this grant is limited to 6 students per year, who are in Year 2 (Year 3 under exceptional circumstances) of their graduate program.
(1) Trainees will conduct research in at least one of the LaMP faculty labs and will be co-mentored by another trainer from a distinct area of LaMP research.
(2) Trainees will be exposed to the essential and emerging concepts in each of the fields of LaMP through a 2-quarter core course consisting of interactive lectures as well as lab-based immersion to give trainees the tools to understand the pros and cons of both the concepts and methods used at each level of analysis.
(3) Trainees will also be exposed to LaMP disorders through a course consisting of didactic and interview/video sessions that span clinical, cognitive, systems and molecular aspects of each disease.
(4) Trainees will receive targeted career development training through a meeting every other week with Program Trainers, emphasizing critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, presentation skills, formal discussion of research-related careers outside of academia, and pressing issues in the field such as data analysis, ethics, and rigor and reproducibility.
(5) Trainees will receive extensive training in grant writing, followed by a mock study section prior to submission of their NRSA in the first quarter of their second year of funding.
(6) Trainees will participate in an annual program retreat and attend an invited LaMP speaker series.
Through these elements, this new LaMP Training Program will produce a new generation of scientists who truly think across levels and scales and who have the skills, drive, and motivation to work collaboratively to tackle the most important issues in learning, memory, and plasticity in order to improve human health. Eligibility of this grant is limited to 6 students per year, who are in Year 2 (Year 3 under exceptional circumstances) of their graduate program.
