Vision Research Training Program

• Courses: Students take courses required by their specific graduate program as well as electives decided upon by the student and faculty advisor. In addition, trainees are required to take:
  • The Visual System (MCDB 452): Comprehensive overview of the structure and function of the visual system
  • Specialized Topics in Vision Research (Ophthalmology 733): Topic-based review and discussion of current literature in vision research
  • Introduction to Scientific Communication and Grant Writing (Pharm 502): Introduction to essential scientific communication skills, literature search and writing an NIH style grant application. (An equivalent grant writing program or workshop is also accepted.)
• Individual Development Plan: Trainees are required to complete an Individual Development Plan and annually discuss the plan with their research advisor.
• Grant Proposal: Trainees are expected to submit a grant proposal for external training funding, likely an individual NRSA fellowship proposal to the NEI. In support of this goal, trainees are expected to enroll in Pharmacology 502 or an equivalent grant writing program/workshop.

• Seminar Presentations: Trainees are required to deliver at least one formal research seminar in the Vision Research Seminar series and present in the annual Research Day hosted by the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. These seminar presentations are generally delivered by PhD students as they near their defense date or postdoctoral fellows who have completed a significant study. Trainees are encouraged to present their work locally and nationally and to build professional networks early in their careers.
• Speaker Selection: Trainees participate in selecting and hosting outside seminar speakers.
• Vision Research Retreat: Trainees are responsible for the organization of the Annual Vision Research Retreat bringing together all U-M vision researchers to share their most recent work in a half-day symposium.
• Vision Research Seminars: Trainees are required to attend the weekly Vision Research Seminars series at the Kellogg Eye Center, featuring speakers from across the University and visiting institutions. After each seminar, trainees participate in an informal luncheon with the guest speaker, supporting key VRTP goals of broadening scientific perspectives and building professional networks.

• Rackham School of Graduate Studies supports an Office of Professional Development, which creates and hosts programming for students and postdocs on how to be successful in their professional development and as they transition into desired career paths. Activities focus on three key areas: core skill development, career exploration, and developing job search skills.
• The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies provides support, resources and services for all doctoral, masters and post-baccalaureate students, as well as the U-M Medical School postdoctoral fellows.
• Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) works closely with the Medical School’s Career Development Office and the Rackham Office of Graduate Student Success to ensure students' needs are met throughout their academic pursuits.
• The University of Michigan Post Doctoral Association (UMPDA) supports postdoctoral fellows across all aspects of their research training and professional life.
• The Department of Pharmacology offers Pharm 502: Introduction to Scientific Communication and Grant Writing, for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows from across campus.

Predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees can pursue additional training in translational research through the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR). Opportunities include a Translational Research Educational Certificate for doctoral students and the Postdoctoral Translational Scholars Program; both designed to build skills and prepare trainees for careers in clinical and translational research.