Trainee Development Seminar Series
Trainee Development Seminar Series
Audience: Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and T32 awardees
This program for graduate students across Ohio State engaged in the broad area of biomedical research is held at noon on the first Tuesday of the month. The topics focus on issues related to career development, grant writing, research methodology and the responsible conduct of research, among others. The Seminars may be attended in person, with lunch, at the CTSI, Suite 260 Prior Hall, Room 240 or on Zoom.
Note that the schedule is a 24-month cycle
Who
Graduate students
Postdoctoral fellows
T32 awardees
When
First Tuesday of the month at noon
Where
In-Person or Virtual
Suite 260 Prior Hall, Room 240 or on Zoom
Trainee Development Seminar Series 24-Month Schedule
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Gain insider insights into the publishing process from an editor’s point of view. This session will cover what editors look for in submissions, common pitfalls to avoid and practical strategies to improve your chances of acceptance. Perfect for researchers aiming to publish high-quality work and navigate the peer-review process with confidence.
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Presented by Andrew Hedrick, MPA, Office of Responsible Research Practice
This seminar provides practical guidance for researchers preparing protocols involving social and behavioral research. The session explores key considerations for designing ethically sound studies that meet institutional and federal review standards. Attendees will gain insights into the IRB review process, learn how to structure protocols for clarity and compliance and receive tips for successful submission through Buck-IRB or similar platforms.
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Presented by Rene Arvola, PhD, Department of Molecular Genetics
This seminar provides early-career researchers with practical guidance on preparing a competitive application for the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award. Designed for postdoctoral scholars aiming to transition into independent research roles, the session covers key components of the application, including crafting a compelling Specific Aims page, developing a strong career development plan and structuring the research strategy. Participants will gain insights into eligibility requirements, review criteria,and common pitfalls, as well as tips for navigating the submission process. Whether you're just beginning to explore the K99/R00 mechanism or actively preparing your application, this seminar offers valuable tools to support your success.
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Presented by Aubrey Moe, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
This seminar is designed to help early-career researchers navigate the landscape of grant funding opportunities. Participants will learn how to identify funding sources tailored to their career stage, including institutional programs, foundation grants and federal mechanisms. The session will cover strategies for matching research goals with funder priorities, understanding eligibility requirements and preparing competitive applications. Attendees will also gain insights into mentorship, proposal development and leveraging internal resources to support their funding journey.
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TBD
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Presented by Angela Emerson, MPH, Associate Director of Research, Human Performance Collaborative
This seminar provides an essential overview of the unique regulatory, operational and ethical considerations involved in conducting clinical trials for medical devices. Participants will explore device trials, including study design, risk classification, FDA pathways and data collection requirements. The session will also address best practices for investigator responsibilities, monitoring and compliance.
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Presented by Jandy Hanna, PhD, JD, Research Integrity Officer, ERIK
This seminar provides researchers with essential knowledge and practical strategies for navigating the complex landscape of research integrity and regulatory compliance. Participants will explore key topics such as responsible conduct of research (RCR), conflict of interest, export controls, human subjects protections and data management. The session will highlight institutional policies, federal regulations and ethical standards that guide research practices, with a focus on preventing misconduct and promoting transparency.
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Presented by Rama Mallampalli, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
This seminar is designed to support early-career researchers in navigating the academic job market. Participants will explore strategies for identifying suitable faculty and research positions, preparing application materials such as CVs, cover letters and research statements, and understanding the expectations of academic hiring committees. Whether you're beginning your search or refining your approach, this seminar offers practical guidance to help you pursue and secure academic opportunities aligned with your career goals.
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Presented by Sandra Meadows, Educational Programming and Regulatory Support, Office Responsible Research Practices
This seminar provides researchers with foundational guidance on developing clear, comprehensive and ethically sound biomedical research protocols. Participants will explore the essential components of protocol writing, including study rationale, objectives, methodology, data collection and regulatory considerations. The session will also address best practices for aligning protocols with institutional review board (IRB) requirements and federal regulations.
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This session explores emerging and advanced themes in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), offering participants a deeper understanding of innovative approaches, methodologies, and challenges shaping the field. Experts will present on specialized topics such as data integration, community engagement, regulatory science and translational workforce development. The session encourages dialogue around cutting-edge practices and fosters collaboration across disciplines to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into health improvements.
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TBD
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This seminar explores how researchers can effectively share their scientific findings with the public through media channels. Participants will learn strategies for simplifying complex concepts, tailoring messages to diverse audiences and crafting compelling narratives that resonate beyond academia. The session will also address how to engage with journalists, anticipate media questions and maintain accuracy while promoting accessibility.
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This session centers on the principles and practices of effective community engagement within research and public health initiatives. Participants will explore strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration and ensuring that community voices are meaningfully integrated into the design and implementation of scientific and outreach efforts. Topics may include stakeholder partnerships, culturally responsive communication and methods for evaluating engagement impact. This session aims to strengthen the bridge between institutions and the communities they serve.
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This session provides guidance and insights for early-career researchers preparing to transition from graduate training or fellowship into faculty roles. Panelists and speakers will share personal experiences, practical advice and institutional perspectives on key milestones such as securing a faculty position, building a research portfolio, navigating mentorship and balancing academic responsibilities. Attendees will gain strategies for career planning, networking and overcoming common challenges in the academic pipeline.
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This session provides an in-depth overview of the NIH F99/K00 grant mechanism, designed to support the seamless transition of exceptional graduate students into postdoctoral research roles. Attendees will learn about the two-phase structure of the award: the F99 phase, which offers up to two years of predoctoral support, and the K00 phase, which provides up to four years of mentored postdoctoral career development funding. The session will cover eligibility criteria, application strategies, mentorship planning and tips for aligning research goals with NIH priorities.
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This session offers practical guidance on crafting a professional resume that effectively showcases your skills, experience and accomplishments. Participants will learn how to tailor their resume for specific roles, highlight transferable skills and structure content for clarity and impact. The session will cover formatting tips, common mistakes to avoid and strategies for aligning your résumé with current industry expectations.
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This session explores key metrics used to evaluate the impact and reach of scientific publications. Participants will gain a clear understanding of traditional indicators such as citation counts and the H-index, as well as emerging tools like altmetrics, which capture online engagement through social media, news outlets and policy documents. The session will discuss how these metrics are calculated, their strengths and limitations and how they influence funding decisions, career advancement, and institutional rankings.
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This session provides practical guidance for graduate students and early-career researchers seeking postdoctoral opportunities. Participants will learn how to identify potential mentors and research environments, evaluate institutional fit and navigate the application process. Topics include crafting effective outreach messages, preparing application materials, leveraging professional networks and understanding funding mechanisms. The session also covers strategies for aligning postdoc experiences with long-term career goals in academia, industry or government. Ideal for those approaching the end of their graduate training, this session equips attendees with tools to confidently pursue the next step in their research careers.
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This session provides an overview of the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP), a federal initiative designed to encourage promising researchers to pursue careers in biomedical and behavioral research by repaying a portion of their educational debt. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, application timelines and the types of research supported under the program. The session will also offer tips for preparing a competitive application, securing institutional support and aligning research goals with NIH priorities.
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This session provides essential guidance for preparing competitive NIH F-series grant applications, including F30, F31 and F32 awards. Aimed at predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, the session covers key components of the application such as crafting a compelling research plan, developing a strong training and mentorship strategy and aligning with NIH review criteria. Participants will learn best practices for writing personal statements, biosketches and letters of support, as well as tips for navigating the submission process. Whether you're applying for the first time or refining a resubmission, this session will help you strengthen your proposal and increase your chances of funding success.
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This session explores the intersection of scientific research and public health for all, emphasizing strategies to ensure that research outcomes translate into meaningful health improvements for all populations. Participants will examine frameworks for inclusive research design, community-informed methodologies and policy integration. The session highlights how collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches can drive innovation while addressing health disparities.This session encourages a shared commitment to advancing health outcomes for all through impactful research.
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TBD