R25T Molecular Imaging Fellowship

	John Humm, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator; Hedvig Hricak, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator; Steven M. Larson, MD, Co-Principal Investigator

The term "team science experience" suggests that training is required from two distinct perspectives: clinical researchers need more molecular biology and training in lab imaging methods; while basic researchers need training in lab imaging methods and a more focused and relevant clinical oncology perspective. The MITO Program is designed to meet both of these diverse training requirements.

MITO's specialized curriculum emphasizes the development of molecular imaging for oncology, and includes didactic training. The focus of the training is on relevant molecular biology and research methodology coursework, instruction in advanced imaging methods, and an individualized research program. Individual research will focus on basic, translational, or clinical interdisciplinary research and experience in advanced methods of nuclear, radiographic, optical, and magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy.

The MITO curriculum incorporates several training components:

• Modules in the Imaging Disciplines

  A versatile, didactic program covering a wide range of modules in the imaging disciplines, such as Molecular Imaging, Optical and Cellular Imaging, the Fundamentals of Nuclear Medicine Imaging, and Advanced Image Processing.

• Elective Courses

  Elective courses in a variety of biology subspecialties offered at The Rockefeller University and at the Weill Cornell Graduate School, and at the Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program (Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Institute).

• Laboratory Research

  Laboratory research with opportunities to rotate through any of the following three core imaging laboratories:

  1. Gene Expression Imaging Laboratory: studying reporter gene developments and the molecular biology of developing vectors Laboratory Manager: Vladimir Ponomarev
  2. Small animal imaging laboratory working in nuclear and optical imaging. Laboratory Manager: Pat Zanzonico
  3. MRI/MRS imaging laboratory working in small animal imaging Laboratory Head: Jason Koutcher

Key Mentors Learn more about key mentors' and their research more

At the beginning of their participation, trainees meet with a variety of potential mentors before identifying one primary mentor and one secondary mentor who best fit their research interests and program goals.

• Grant Writing Workshops

  Fellows are also expected to perform original research in the field of molecular imaging, which will lead to peer-reviewed manuscripts and possibly successful grant funding. Grant writing workshops are provided annually.

• Professional Conferences

  Professional conferences throughout the year are attended by researchers to enhance their participation in the MITO Program. Prior fellows have been successful in finishing their projects and have presented their research at various conferences and lectures. National and international conferences attended by MITO current trainees and past graduates include:

  1. European Congress of Radiology, March 2007
  2. American Roentgen Ray Annual Conference, May 2006
  3. European Congress of Radiology, March 2006
  4. Radiological Society of North America, November 2005
  5. Society for Molecular Imaging (fifth annual meeting), August 2006