Multidisciplinary Research Training in Sleep Science

Project Summary/Abstract

The significance of sleep and circadian disorders on public health is broad because of its effects on physical and mental health. The high prevalence of these disorders makes it critical that a robust pipeline exists for new investigators to tackle the challenge of understanding the mechanisms involved, their impact on cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary

and neurodegenerative systems and develop and test interventions. Faculty at Icahn School of Medicine (ISMMS) and New York University Grossman School of Medicine (NYU) from multiple departments (sleep medicine, pulmonary,

psychiatry, neuroscience, radiology, population health, cardiology, and biostatistics) have been involved in collaborative basic and clinical research in sleep and circadian science for several decades. Our training program will build on the foundation of successful mentored research and training programs (e.g. PRIDE institute at NYU) with experienced, well-

funded investigators who have demonstrated a strong commitment for career development. The areas of current

research include (but are not limited to) (i) basic biology of the circadian clock, (ii) translational research on the role of sleep on memory, (iii) clinical patient oriented research evaluating physiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its treatment and evaluation of outcomes of OSA on cardiovascular and brain health (iv) developing simulation and web

based tools to assist teaching sleep physiology. State of the art physiological and imaging techniques (cardiac CT imaging, PET/MR brain imaging, Alzheimer’s disease biofluid biomarkers) are employed, and include subjects across the

age spectrum (pediatric to elderly populations) and minority populations. We will leverage access to the existing training infrastructure at the two institutions along with the experience of successful collaborations over the past 10-years between multidisciplinary faculty at the two institutions and incorporate translational content to train post-doctoral

fellows. The aim of this 5-year program is to recruit and train a total of 6 postdoctoral candidates (physician scientists or PhD graduates). Trainees will participate in a 2-3-year program during which time they are assigned to a mentoring team, comprised of a primary, secondary and peer mentor. Mentors are nationally recognized investigators with

expertise in guiding mentees in developing their careers and in submitting successful grant applications. Trainees will implement an Individual Development Plan, use a combination of existing conferences, didactic courses and technology-

assisted multi-institutional workshops to acquire professional, laboratory based skills and training in responsible conduct of research. Trainees will have access to the broad training and research support resources of the two institutions including those of the CTSI/CTSA. Measurable outcomes will include trainee publications, presentations, and grant

applications. Mentees’ achievements for 10-years post program will also be evaluated and include academic leadership positions, career awards, federal and non- federal grants and engagement in mentoring activities. The Sleep Science T32 Program addresses the need for sleep and circadian researchers and facilitates their transition to independence.