About the Postdoctoral Training Program

Seeded by the Paula and Rusty Walter Endowment, this two-year National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded postdoctoral training program (T32NS126115) brings together 34 regeneration biologists and neurophysiologists and 14 clinical researchers across multiple institutions with a rich history of research training, clinical modeling and education. The training format is distinct from established physiology or molecular neuroscience training programs in several ways:

 

  1. Programs are strategically focused on the interface between regeneration/disease organ model systems and functional neuroanatomy and physiology. 
  2. Group problem identification is driven by a collaborative group of clinician researchers.
  3. Catalytic mechanisms exist for cross training and expertise development between research centers.

 

Further, the training structure emphasizes experiences in tissue and organ engineering laboratories in parallel with education in neuromodulation, translational theory, and practice.

Neural CODR Fellowship Video ➝

Research Areas

NeuralCODR Faculty and Research Areas

Neural Development and Tools

In this research area, laboratories apply molecular and systems approaches to discover how the brain is wired using genetic models, stem cells, or neural organoids and neuromodulation to dissect the molecular pathways in glia and neurons that build the nervous system.

 

Nervous System and Peripheral Organ Disorders

In this research area, laboratories develop and apply system-level models of nervous system and peripheral organ disorders, with a particular focus on the basis for disease or injury (e.g. musculoskeletal system, pain, neural trauma, and degenerative disease).

 

Neural Innervation and Organ Engineering

In this research area, laboratories share a common bio-engineering approach to create organ model systems including bone, bowel, vascular, and tissue-level system for modeling or therapeutic resources.

 

 

Clinical Applications/Rotations

This faculty group brings a much needed and rare exposure to real-world diseases, clinical challenges, and human samples.

 

 

Program Summary and Trainee Resources


  • Program Summary
  • Central Course
  • Trainee Resources
  • Potential Training Faculty
  • Program Summary

    Program Summary

    The NeuralCODR program was designed to fill a critical gap in post-graduate training by providing postdoctoral fellows with the support and training opportunities that come almost standard in graduate education. The NeuralCODR program emphasizes the need for:

    1. Increased interdisciplinary training opportunities
    2. Increased mentorship and oversight beyond the host Principal Investigator
    3. Reducing the training period and emphasizing career choices early, and
    4. Stimulating and providing resources for postdoctoral fellows to interact with their peers.

     
    The NeuralCODR training format distinctly includes an interdisciplinary triad mentorship team. It also provides access to much needed, but rarely obtained, hands-on clinical experience, mentorship, and clinical data and materials. In addition, NeuralCODR postdoctoral fellows receive the following support:

    • NeuralCODR postdoctoral fellows receive annual stipends based on NIH standards, reimbursement for health insurance, and a budget for conference and workshop travel.
    • NeuralCODR postdoctoral fellows are appointed for two years
  • Central Course

    Central Course

    The NeuralCODR course is a centerpiece of the training program and it is offered every spring. It is a team-taught, graduate level course to promote new ideas and collaborations in the area of how the brain and peripheral organs communicate in disease. Three speakers per class will give a brief introduction on the scope of their work, followed by a moderated conversation on a suggested topic with participant involvement to catalyze new research concepts and identify roadblocks to communication and progress. Student participants will be primed with literature suggested by the speakers and coached on discussion goals.

    The overall goals of the course are to:

    • Focus on the neural control of organ degeneration and regeneration.
    • Complement research in organ regeneration, stem cell biology and tissue engineering.
    • Address the knowledge gaps of how the nervous system influences organ development, disease evolution and organ degeneration.
    • Have a team-taught format with a clinical perspective on development and disease, and an introduction to specific organ system regeneration approaches.
    • Include diverse faculty from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University of Houston, and Houston Methodist Research Institute.

    General Information:

    • REGISTRATION for the Spring 2025 offering of this course is now closed. Please check back for Spring 2026.
    • There is no cost to attend, but space is limited.
    • This course is not part of the NeuralCODR Fellow application process.
    • For more information, please email us at CNR@houstonmethodist.org.
  • Trainee Resources

    Trainee Resources

  • Potential Training Faculty

    Potential Training Faculty

    We are currently looking for new training faculty members. All faculty throughout the Texas Medical Center are eligible and encouraged to participate if their research is in line with the scope of the program.


    If you are interested in participating in this NIH-funded training program, please send your CV to Gillian Hamilton.

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • Postdoctoral candidates throughout the Texas Medical Center are eligible and encouraged to apply if their research is in line with the scope of the program.
  • Out of state candidates are also encouraged and welcome to apply.
  • Candidates do not need a current affiliation with listed training faculty. If selected, their respective mentors would be evaluated and considered to serve as a training faculty.

 

Application Requirements for Fellow Candidates

 

  • Completed application form: Click here for application.
  • Specific Aims (1-page limit)
    • Project concepts should be developed in consultation with your proposed mentorship team.
  • Letters of Support
    • Must include two letters of support; one must be from your proposed primary NeuralCODR faculty member.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Please submit all of the above information to Gillian Hamilton, Senior Program Manager:

 

Training at a Glance

Scientific Rigor

Through oversight by a dedicated senior biostatistician, NeuralCODR helps fellows expand their knowledge of data analysis and interpretation to better understand how experimental design and statistics fit into neuroscience.

Customizable Experience

NeuralCODR fellows can customize their experience by adding any of our supplemental resources to their curriculum based on their individual goals and/or needs. More information on this can be found under Trainee Resources.

Networking Opportunities

All NeuralCODR fellows have access to a wealth of networking events (e.g. retreats symposia, and workshops) as well as education in the form of career development opportunities navigation of trainee-mentor relationships, and networking opportunities.

Trainee Culture

NeuralCODR fellows enter and experience the program as a cohort. They attend courses, workshops, and seminars as a unit and participate in fellows-driven events (e.g. social hour, journal club, and lunch and learn) that help foster a community to establish life-long collaborations between peers in the same emerging field.

Administrative Support

NeuralCODR fellows have direct access to and consistent engagement with the administrative director. They also receive mentorship and training from a dedicated scientific writer.

Program Contact

Gillian Hamilton, PhD
Senior Program Manager
Center for Neuroregeneration
6670 Bertner Avenue
Houston, TX 77030
Email: ghamilton@houstonmethodist.org

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