Predoctoral

Predoctoral Training Program Requirements

Predoctoral trainees in the HI-AIPrN program are generally funded for 2 years. Trainees are required to complete course work and research projects to gain theoretical and practical knowledge and skills crucial for precision nutrition science research empowered with AI/ML and advanced data analytics. Trainees are required to complete training activities on research ethics and professional career development to be compliant with high standards of biomedical research and development.

The performance of trainees is monitored through a comprehensive system involving the Executive, Curriculum, and Student Advisory and Development Committees, rotation mentors, course instructors, qualifying exams, and the thesis advisory committee. Besides HI-AIPrN core and elective curriculum and research projects, trainees are required to attend HI-AIPrN Program monthly meeting, and AIPrN Research Forum and Annual Research Day, as well as T32-organized training sessions. Trainees are expected to submit fellowship applications within the appointment period. Trainee’s performances are evaluated for various training activities such as courses and rotation/orientational research, thesis project, qualifying exam and advancement to doctoral candidacy, communicational skills, and potential for extramural research awards.

Predoctoral Program Overview: 

• Interdisciplinary Courses to equip trainees with skills in AI/ML and precision nutrition science and biomedicine to tackle complex data-driven questions in health and disease research. Core and Elective courses will be identified by the dual primary mentors according to the trainee’s research background and study subjects, and usually shall be completed by the first T32 training year.
  
  
• Research and Practicum: Mentored research projects, which may include collaborations with senior trainees and fellows or serve as preparatory work for their dissertation.
• Seminars and Workshops throughout the training period, such as work-in-progress meeting, journal clubs and HI-AIPrN research forum and seminars, quarterly mentoring team meetings, continuing trainee peer mentoring support activities, and Annual Research Day presentations.
• Responsible Conduct of Research, and Professional Skills Development: Courses and modules focused on research ethics, and compliance training (e.g., safety, IRB, IACUC, HIPAA), and scientific writing and grant preparation.
• Enrichment Activities, such as workshops and training sessions aimed at enhancing their professional and career development, communication, and presentation skills.
• Dissertation Committee Meetings: Each predoctoral trainee is expected to convene their first Dissertation Committee Meeting by the Summer term of their second graduate school year, with subsequent meetings every six months.
• Fellowships and Awards: During their training years, trainees are encouraged to apply for individual fellowships and awards to support their research and professional growth.
• Individual developmental plan (IDP), Annual Progress Report, and feedback surveys throughout the training period. Upon the completion of the training, trainees are required to submit a final report, complete feedback surveys, continue (occasional) engaging with the current selective training activities.