T32 HD007249 - Developmental and Neonatal Biology Training Program
The mission of the Training Program in Developmental and Neonatal Biology is subsumed by the overall mission of the NICHD and is focused to ensure that Stanford supplies a diverse pool of highly- trained scientists in research areas which address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs related to the fetus and newborn. Thus, the prime objectiveof the Program is the education and training of basic and clinician investigators from diverse backgrounds for academic careers in the developmental sciences and neonatology.The program is designed to encourage the cross-fertilization of ideas that will enrich the research of the basic, laboratory-based, and the clinically-oriented scientist. For those trainees interested in clinical training, the program offers intensive clinical experiences with newborns, including the opportunity for clinical investigation, as well as the opportunity for advanced study in developmental biology, especially at the cellular and molecular level. For those trainees interested in the basic sciences, the program offers exposure to clinical problems that stimulate curiosity in human development and enhance the translation of bench research discoveries to bedside clinical solutions. The objective of this combined Training Program is to build bridges between investigators in basic science departments and physicians in clinical departments, sharing as a common goal an in-depth understanding of the development of organ systems. Predoctoral trainees receive their degrees from one of the six Ph.D. granting academic units (the Departments of Biological Sciences, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Neurobiology) as well as from the Combined Admissions Mode in the Medical School. Trainees for this component of the Program are selected by the Predoctoral Committee. Postdoctoral trainees have completed a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree and are nominated by a preceptor following a formal application procedure. Candidates for support are evaluated by the Postdoctoral Committee. Postresidency trainees have completed residency training in General Pediatrics and possess the knowledge and skills of a Board-certified general pediatrician. Trainees, therefore, assume increasing clinical responsibilities in the care of critically ill premature and full-term neonates. Trainees also choose a research laboratory and preceptor from the Program faculty after selection by the Postresidency Committee. Because of the overlap in research interests among faculty, trainees have the opportunity to interact with each other and with preceptors within a program representing a wide range of interests in Developmental Biology, from the most basic to the applied sciences, enhancing the breadth and depth of their training experience. Trainees will also gain awareness of public health issues.
Preceptor Research Interests
- Ann M. Arvin, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Infectious Diseases
Host-virus interactions of herpes viruses in the fetus and newborn. - Ben Barres, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Neurobiology
Development and function of glia. - Richard D. Bland, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
Dr Bland's research program (sponsored by 2 NIH grants) focuses on the pathogenesis and prevention of neonatal chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD), with particular emphasis on understanding mechanisms that contribute to disordered elastin deposition and associated impairment of alveolar and pulmonary vascular development that occur in BPD. The research includes studies of various genes that are thought to regulate the synthesis, assembly and degradation of elastin in lung tissue obtained from lambs with chronic lung injury produced by 3-4 weeks of mechanical ventilation after premature birth. Studies have been done to investigate the impact of specific therapeutic interventions, including high-frequency mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, retinol, and l-arginine, on the pathophysiology and histopathology of neonatal chronic lung disease in preterm lambs. A new element of this project examines the effects of prolonged, repetitive stretch and associated inflammation on extracellular matrix proteins, alveolar and vascular development in lungs of newborn mice. - Helen M. Blau, Ph.D.
Department of Molecular Pharmacology
Program in Gene Therapy
Molecular basis for the genetic regulation of cell differentiation during development and disease; using muscle as a model system; gene therapy. - Chang-Zheng Chen, Ph.D.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
MicroRNAs in lymphoid development and cancer. - Chris Contag, Ph.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
Dr. Contag studies of a variety of biological processes using a noninvasive approach for monitoring functional changes in living animal models of human development and disease. These biological processes include infection and treatment, tumor progression and therapy, and normal and pathologic gene expression. - Gerald Crabtree, M.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
Department of Pathology
Regulation in cell proliferation and differentiation. Genetic regulatory mechanisms in
T-lymphocyte activation; lymphoid development. - David Epel, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Marine Biology
Our studies of fertilization have contributed to understanding how developmental programs in eggs are initiated. Recently we have turned our attention to how development takes place in the marine environment, especially how embryos resist the effects of such environmental stresses as ultraviolet radiation, pathogens and natural and man-made toxins. - Heidi M. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Development and Behavioral Pediatrics
Long-standing research interests in child language. The study of typical development and variety of clinical conditions that put language learning at risk, either because the condition alters access to environmental input or to the neural substrates that usually process language. - Dean Felsher, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Medicine
Division of Oncology and Pathology
Dr. Dean Felsher's expertise brings a new field of research for our program in the area of how oncogenes initiate and sustain tumorigenesis. He has developed model systems whereby he can conditionally activate oncogenes in normal human and mouse cells in tissue culture or in specific tissues of transgenic mice. - Andrew Fire, Ph.D.
Departments of Pathology & Genetics
Our lab studies the mechanisms by which cells and organisms respond to genetic change. The genetic landscape faced by a living cell is constantly changing. Developmental transitions, environmental shifts, and pathogenic invasions lend a dynamic character to both the genome and its activity pattern. We study a variety of natural mechanisms that are utilized by cells adapting to genetic change. These include mechanisms activated during normal development and systems for detecting and responding to foreign or unwanted genetic activity. At the root of these studies are questions of how a cell can distinguish "self" versus "nonself" and "wanted" versus "unwanted" gene expression. We primarily make use of the nematode C. elegans in our experimental studies. C. elegans is small, easily cultured, and can readily be made to accept foreign DNA or RNA. The results of such experiments have outlined a number of concerted responses that recognize (and in most cases work to silence) the foreign nucleic acid. One such mechanism ("RNAi") responds to double stranded character in RNA: either as introduced experimentally into the organism or as produced from foreign DNA that has not undergone selection to avoid a dsRNA response. Much of the current effort in the lab is directed toward a molecular understanding of the RNAi machinery and its roles in the cell. RNAi is not the only cellular defense against unwanted nucleic acid, and substantial current effort in the lab is also directed at identification of other triggers and mechanisms used in recognition and response to foreign information. - Margaret T. Fuller, Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
Department of Genetics
Regulation of stem cell behavior, cell type specific transcription machinery and tissue specific gene expression, regulation of the meiotic cell cycle, cell morphogenesis, and mechanism of cytokinesis.
- Rona G. Giffard, M.D.
Department of Anesthesia
Anesthetics and ischemic neuronal injury and astrocyte injury in vitro; primary cell culture; gene expression and protection from ischemic injury, stress proteins, hsp70,
bcl-2, role of astrocytes in brain injury and protection; neuronal astrocyte interactions. - Jeffrey B. Gould, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
Looking at the impact of low cesarean section rates on morbidity and trying to develop a morbidity index that could be used to assess the quality of perinatal care. - Louis P. Halamek, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
The use of perflourochemicals in the treatment of neonatal cardiorespiratory failure and other potential applications of liquid ventilation. - Dale A. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry
Department of Developmental Biology
How are genes regulated to construct a developmental program? How do signals received from other cells change the program and coordinate it for multicellular development? The approach taken by our laboratory group to answer these questions utilizes biochemistry and genetics; genetics to isolate mutants that have particular defects in development and biochemistry to determine the molecular basis of the defects. We study fruiting body development in Myxococcus xanthus, a social bacterium. - Mark A. Kay, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics
The focus is to develop gene transfer technologies and use them for hepatic gene therapy for the treatment of genetic and acquired diseases. The general approach is to develop new vector systems and delivery methods, test them in the appropriate animal models, and use the most promising approaches in clinical trials. Specifically, we work on a variety of viral and non-viral vector systems. Our two major disease models are hemophilia and hepatitis C virus infection. - Seung K. Kim, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
Department of Medicine Oncology
We study the genetics of pancreatic islet cell differentiation using molecular, embryologic and genetic methods in several model systems, including mice, embryonic stem cells, and Drosophila. Our work suggests that critical factors required for islet development are also needed to maintain essential functions of the mature islet. Our knowledge of genetic and cellular pathways governing islet formation has allowed us to use stem cell lines to produce functional islets in vitro. - David M. Kingsley, Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
My laboratory uses a variety of genetic, cellular, and molecular approaches to study skeletal development in humans, mice, and stickleback fish. Many of our studies begin with naturally occurring genetic traits that alter normal skeletal development. By isolating the genes responsible for these traits, it has been possible to identify key genetic pathways that control skeletal patterning and skeletal disease in mice and humans. Similar genetic studies in sticklebacks are making it possible to determine how new morphological and physiological traits arise during vertebrate evolution. - Mark A. Krasnow, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry
Genetic, genomic, and cellular analysis of epithelial morphogenesis in Drosophila and mouse. - David B. Lewis, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology and Transplantation Biology
My laboratory has three major research interests. First, to define cellular and molecular mechanisms that limit T cell responses to vaccines and pathogens during normal early postnatal development and in cases of inherited genetic immunodeficiencies. Second, to determine how exposure to respiratory viral infections alters the development of allergen-induced asthma. Third, to determine how immune responses to cytomegalovirus may influence allograft rejection. - Liqun Luo, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Molecular Mechanisms of Neuronal Morphogenesis and Neural Circuit Formation - Susan McConnell, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Exploring the mechanisms by which neurons in the mammalian central nervous system achieve their normal fates during development. - Elizabeth D. Mellins, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Immunology and Transplantation Biology
Molecular mechanisms and intracellular pathways of antigen processing and presentation; structure/function of HLA-DR, -DM, -DO; pathogen evasion of the class II pathway. - Fernando Mendoza, M.D., M.P.H.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of General Pediatrics
Major research interest has been in the area of minority health care research principally focused on child health. Prior research has examined the health care status of Latino children and adolescents in the United States. This program has examined growth patterns of children, chronic illness, health perceptions, and health care utilization. This has provided the basis to begin to develop health policy recommendations for Latino children and adolescents. Ongoing research continues to examine various health parameters for Latino children and trying to identify risk factors for poor health outcomes among these children. - Daria Mochly-Rosen, Ph.D.
Department of Molecular Pharmacology
We are studying the mechanism of protein kinase C-mediated signal transduction in several disease models. Based on our recent data, we proposed a working hypothesis that activated PKC isozymes bind to intracellular receptor proteins located at different subcellular sites, and that these receptors differentially bind specific PKC isozymes. - Garry P. Nolan, Ph.D.
Department of Molecular Pharmacology
Biochemistry of NF-kB/IkB factors. Nuclear oncoproteins p50 and Bc1-3; Rel/ankyrin proteins and HIV regulations. - Roeland Nusse, Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
The elucidation of the mechanism of action of oncogenes in embryogenesis and to extrapolate these findings to cancerous growth. - Charles G. Prober, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases
The epidemiology and management of perinatal viral infections. - Marlene Rabinovitch, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology
We investigate mechanisms regulating vascular cell development to discover novel ways to reverse cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Our approaches include targeted gene therapy, transgenic mouse models and gene arrays. Our focus is on novel vascular elastase and chymase genes, on the regulation of their transcription factors that include AML1, on expression of a calcium binding protein, Mts1, and on a microtubule associated protein regulating mRNA translation. - Matthew P. Scott, Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
Department of Genetics
Genetic regulation of animal development and human disease. We study homeobox genes, hedgehog/patched signaling and its links to skin and brain cancer, development of the neural tube and cerebellum, Wnt signaling, and heart development. - Eric Sibley, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Gastroenterology
Transcriptional regulation of lactase during intestinal development. The mammalian gastrointestinal tract matures from a primitive tube into morphologically and functionally distinct regions during development. The mature small intestine functions in the digestion and absorption of ingested nutrients. - David K. Stevenson, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
Heme oxygenase biology, developmental heme metabolism and bilirubin physiology utilizing noninvasive technologies combined with developmental biochemistry approaches. - William S. Talbot, Ph.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
We use genetic and genomic approaches to investigate the molecular basis of cell fate specification and morphogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. Other projects include the genetic dissection of myelination and functional genomics in zebrafish.
- Irving L. Weissman, M.D.
Department of Developmental Biology
Developmental biology and function of lymphocytes using multiple disciplines to study these cells, ranging from molecular biology to the whole animal.
Application Instructions
Stanford University Medical Center (Stanford Health Services) believes that a residency and fellowship program that is composed of individuals who are both highly qualified and diverse in terms of culture, gender, race, ethnicity, background, work and life experiences, skill, and interests is essential to the postgraduate education of physicians. Because of its strong belief in the value of diversity, SUMC (The Training Program) especially encourages applications from African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Pacific Islanders, as well as from others who have disabilities or come from a disadvantaged background, whose backgrounds and experience provide additional dimensions that will enhance the Developmental and Neonatal Biology Training Program.
Requirements
To be appointed to a research training grant, an individual must be a citizen, a non-citizen national of the United States or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a current, valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or must be in possession of other legal verification of such status). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Predoctoral Trainees
Predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree by the beginning date of their NRSA appointment and must be training at the post-baccalaureate level in a program leading to the Ph.D. in science or in an equivalent research doctoral degree program. Health-professional students who wish to interrupt their studies for a year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their professional degrees are also eligible.
Postdoctoral Trainees
Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the NRSA appointment, a Ph.D., M.D. or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Written certification by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution that all degree requirements have been met, prior to the date training is to begin, is acceptable.
Please download the application paperwork:
- Brochure 75k Word doc | 187k PDF
- Checklist 22k Word doc | 50k PDF
- PRE-DOCTORAL Application 35k Word doc | 100k PDF
- POST DOCTORAL Application 69k Word doc | 82k PDF
You may also request an application:
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine
750 Welch Rd., Suite 315
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 723-5711
(650) 725-8351 (FAX)
Post Residency Application Process
At this time, all our fellowship positions for 2008 have been filled. For fellowships beginning July 1, 2009, our program will begin using the Association of American Medical Colleges' Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Post-residency applications must be submitted through ERAS. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.
To register with ERAS and review information regarding application procedures, requirements, and deadlines, please visit http://www.aamc.org/students/erasfellow/start.htm
Please visit the NRMP’s website at http://www.nrmp.org/fellow/match_name/neonatal-perinatal/about.html for details regarding the match process.
The application, interview, and acceptance process for 2009 fellowships follows the outline below. Our program’s transition to the ERAS system may slightly alter the timeline. Applicants are encouraged to regularly contact the Division office to monitor the progress of their applications.
| Time of Year | Step in Application Process |
July 1, 2007 |
Applicants may begin uploading required documents/materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc) using MyERAS (fee applies) |
November 15, 2007 |
Applicants may begin applying to Fellowship Program in Neonatal & Developmental Biology using ERAS |
December 1, 2007 |
Fellowship Program begins review of all applications |
May 14, 2008 (12 noon EST) |
NRMP Match registration opens |
July 16, 2008 (12 noon EST) |
Rank Order List submission begins for programs and applicants |
September 10, 2008 (9PM EST) |
Rank Order List Deadline for programs and applicants |
October 1, 2008 (12 noon EST) |
Match Day. Match decisions are made for fellowships commencing 2009 |
October 2, 2008 |
Program begins sending letters of appointment to matched applicants for acceptance |
July 1, 2009 |
Fellowships begin |
Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Scholars
The Division of Neonatal and Developmental Biology welcomes out-of-state and out-of-country scholars; however, we do not provide advice or support for becoming legally able to practice medicine in the state of California. Please visit the following web sites for information:
- J1:
www.ecfmg.org - California Medical License:
www.medbd.ca.gov - USMLE III:
www.usmle.org
