We are highly invested in preparing the future generation of suicide researchers by educating the scientific leaders of tomorrow today. Our training program provides trainees at various stages of their careers with the tools necessary to develop feasible, translational research projects. Fellows have the opportunity to learn novel methodology and analytic techniques in basic science, clinical, and translation research from some of the premier suicide prevention researchers in the world.
In doing so, the program directors’ goal is to create a pipeline for researchers as well as diversify the field.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students who can spend time in the NY area for the summer are welcome to apply to participate in an eight-week Summer Research Experience Program. The program will provide students with a background in translational research and an understanding of the clinical phenomenology related to suicidal behavior. In addition to shadowing a research fellow and senior researcher, the chosen candidates will attend Conte Center research meetings, related classes, and potentially analyze data and prepare a presentation. Students will receive a $3,000 stipend for their commitment to the program.
Columbia Predoctoral Students
The Conte Center training program will accept applications from students who are nominated by lab directors within Columbia University’s psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience departments. Those identified as the most qualified students with great potential to benefit from the Center’s projects can work with a mentor to develop their application. Students will receive a $5,000 stipend for their commitment to the program.
For further information, please contact Elizabeth Sublette, M.D., Ph.D., Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Maura Boldrini, M.D. Ph.D., or Todd Ogden, Ph.D. Eligible applicants will be screened by a review committee; those who qualify will be paired with appropriate mentors.
Other Educational Opportunities
The Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology (MIND) Area also participates in the following training programs:
T-32 Supported Research Fellowship.
We will accept applications from research fellows in their second and third year of training. Eligible applicants must be supported by postdoctoral research fellowships such as:
- Mood, Anxiety and Related Disorders
- Late Life Neuropsychiatric Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Developmental Neurobiology and
- Substance Abuse
For information on how to apply, please contact Steven Roose, M.D.
Janssen Fellowship
Recipients of the Janssen Fellowship — a program dedicated to mentoring fellows in translational neuroscience research — will also be considered. In addition, fellows must be sponsored by the head of their research area, who will also serve as one of their mentors. Applicants are required to submit a proposal for a translational research project that covers a topic within one of the Center’s six project areas. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Additionally, an annual 4-6 week course will also be offered to selected eligible fellows. The course will focus on an important issue in translational research.
Medical Student and Psychiatric Resident Rotations
The MIND training program will accept applications for a research elective from medical students with approval of their institution and psychiatric residents with a letter of nomination from their residency training director. Resident applicants who are selected by the Conte Center Review Committee will then be paired with Conte Center faculty. Selected applicants will also be offered electives that focus on a research project for 3-12 months, during which they will be assigned a mentor.
For more information on these opportunities, please contact John Mann.