College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Training Program

(updated November, 2023)

The following are requirements/expectations of all doctoral students in the T32 training program. Trainees must continue participation in activities even after the period of support ends, through the time of their graduation.

1. Pursue a high quality research project in an area that fits the scope of the T32 program and the NICHD. The focus of the project must also be in one of the 4 areas of specialization outlined in the T32.
2. Complete RCR training requirements and Rigor/Reproducibility training
3. Complete training in bioinformatics and biostatistics.
4. Attend all RDSP Monday Noon meetings, special seminars, workshops, and Distinguished Lectures.
5. Participate in RDSP Annual Research Day and annual MARTS meetings.
6. Assist in the organization and the running of annual research days and MARTS meetings.
7. Attend external conferences, workshops or other training in consultation with mentor and program leadership.
8. Complete courses ANS815, ANS823, ANS828, PHM830
9. Make an ANNUAL presentation on Research In Progress (RIP) and Journal Club at the Monday noon meetings.
10. Complete a Community Outreach activity (check with Co-Directors, mentor, RDSTP website, or other students for ideas).
11. Submit F31 or equivalent application during first year of appointment.
12. Submit at least one manuscript by the end of the first year of appointment (can include review articles). If needed, include plans for a first author paper, if not yet submitted. A publication prior to appointment does not eliminate the need to submit a paper during first year of appointment.
13. Demonstrate research productivity by timely publication of research results.
14. Meet with T32 Program External Advisors during Annual Research Day (alternating years).
15. Keep T32 Co-Directors informed about publications, presentations, awards, graduation, and other important accomplishments, even after formal appointment ends.
16. Be sure to include the attribution statement for T32 support in all publications, presentations, posters, etc. This is also required after the period of support ends if any of the work was done during the time of funding by the T32.
17. Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and meet/discuss with mentor 1-2 times yearly or more often. Be sure to look into career planning opportunities available through The Graduate School, and the MSU BEST program.
18. Provide twice-yearly training reports to Education Committee. Provide other information promptly when requested, to allow required information to be submitted to the NIH. For research description component of progress report, please provide a brief paragraph describing hypothesis, approaches, and progress. Progress reporting at least annually will be requested until you graduate, in order to satisfy NIH reporting requirements.
19. Participate in training in non-research areas such as career development, job interview skills, laboratory management, etc.
20. Continue participating in these activities even after formal appointment period ends. We are required to track and report training outcomes for each trainee through graduation, and as a training program, participation through graduation is required.