The flexible program is designed to span two or three consecutive years, in accordance with the scholars’ levels of knowledge and prior research training. Scholars work with their mentors to craft a program of research, coursework and professional development that will best equip them in their careers as independent investigators.

..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Scholar Support

The WRHR Program comprehensive support for all aspects of the Scholars’ research and training.

• Salary and fringe benefits, via appointment as junior faculty with the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Tuition and fees for Scholar participation in required and elective coursework, workshops and lectures.
• Travel to attend the annual NIH WRHR Program Meeting and one scientific meeting per year.
• Funds to support Scholar’s research activities, including purchase of laboratory supplies and reagents, as well as use of University and Institute core services (e.g., histology, flow cytometry, biological imaging, biostatistics, etc.)

Program Commitment

At least 75% of the recipient's full-time effort must be dedicated to the goals of this award. The remainder may be devoted to clinical or teaching responsibilities or to other research efforts. Under the guidance of their mentors, each Scholar will develop a detailed research plan that will include a rich curriculum of course work and seminars, adjusted to their level of training. They will execute experiments, analyze and prepare data for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presentation at regional and national venues. Importantly, Scholars will work with their mentors and advisory committee to prepare and submit an independent research proposal.

Mentorship

Each Scholar will select one principal mentor and at least one supporting mentor, with a preferred arrangement of one principal mentor and two supporting mentors. Supporting mentors may be chosen from outside the core mentorship team. Primary mentors are committed to weekly review meetings and scholars to monitor the satisfactory progress of the experiments. Monthly meetings with the full mentorship team ensure that scholars take advantage of supporting or alternative biological approaches that may be available through the supporting mentors or at other laboratories.