T32 Training Program

Supporting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in addiction science for over 25 years

Translational Explorations in Substance Use DisordersT32 Training Program

Substance use disorders (SUDs) constitute a major, high-impact health problem in the United States. Our T32 training program has contributed great insight into the mechanisms and etiology of SUDs and the future for precision medicine to optimize SUD therapies.

Overview

The goal of our T32 renewal is to equip scholars with a maximally integrated toolbox and innovative mindset to optimize the scientific understanding of SUDs and translate toward effective solutions.

Our faculty mentors/co-mentors have a wealth of training and career development successes, extensive collaborative networks, and expertise in translational addiction research conducted with modern technologies. T32 tactics include well-funded, state-of-the-art research opportunities and facilities, effective mentoring plans (mentor mosaics), internships/externships, and supportive interactive programs.

Our first-rate activities also focus on the professional skills needed for advancement towards an independent SUD-directed career, including dissemination of our learnings though peer-reviewed publications and community venues to improve public health, productivity, and life fulfillment.

Objectives

Contact Us

Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics
Phone: (409) 772-3093
Email: CAST@utmb.edu
Mailing address:
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555-0615

Thanks for your interest in our research.

Program Interests & Priorities

Discovery of mechanisms underlying SUD processes (“cell to human”)

SUD Mechanisms, Neurocircuitry, NeuroID. Exploit state-of-the-art tools to uncover molecular and biological mechanisms involving cell-surface proteins and transcriptomic factors, neurocircuitry engaged in behavioral facets of SUDs, biological impacts of exposure to abused drugs, and phenotypic and genotypic drivers of behavior in SUDs.

Mechanistic knowledge to drive new perspectives for SUD therapeutics

Chemistry, Drug Discovery, SUD Therapeutics. Capitalize on our enhanced understanding of key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SUDs and to selectively normalize impaired brain mechanisms that contribute to continued drug use in SUDs.

Translation of SUD sciences into evidence-based clinical, population and public health strategies

Pharmacological Challenges, Brain and Behavioral Health, Data Science, Health Analytics. Explore genetics, development, and social factors that contribute to SUD and integrate into clinical practice and public health.

Participating Graduate Programs

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology • Experimental Pathology • Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine • Neuroscience • Pharmacology and Toxicology • Population Health Sciences

Training Program Faculty

Name	Title	Primary Dept or Program	Research Interest
John A. Allen, PhD	Assistant Professor	PHTO	GPCRs, SUDs, and therapeutics discovery
Noelle C. Anastasio, PhD	Associate Professor	PHTO	Glu in impulsivity, SUDs, and therapeutics discovery
Lisa Campo-Englestein, PhD	Professor	SPPH	Gender ethics
Irma E. Cisneros, PhD	Assistant Professor	PATH	Neuroinflammation in SUDs
Kathryn A. Cunningham, PhD	Professor & Director, CAST	PHTO	SUD risk vulnerability mechanisms, circuitry and therapeutics discovery
Eliseo A. Eugenin, PhD	Professor	Neurobiology	NeuroAIDS and substance use
Benjamin B. Gelman	Professor	PATH	NeuroAIDS and substance use
Georgiy Golovko, PhD	Assistant Professor	PHTO	Bioinformatics, computational, Health analytics
Thomas A. Green	Associate Professor	PHTO	Environmental enrichment and frustration in drug abuse
Jonathan D. Hommel, PhD	Associate Professor	PHTO	Mechanisms of SUDs, obesity, compulsivity
Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD	Professor	SPPH	Epidemiology, prediction models, opioid substitutes
Fernanda Laezza, MD, PhD	Professor	PHTO	Ion channels as drug discovery targets in SUDs
Agenor Limon, DSC	Assistant Professor	Neurology	Neuronal excitation-inhibition imbalance
Monique R. Pappadis, PhD	Associate Professof	SPPH	Minority health disparities in rehabilitation
Gabrielle R. Rudenko, PhD	Professor	PHTO	Synaptic mechanisms and SUD target discovery
Heido Spratt, PhD	Associate Professor	SPPH	Biostatistics, bioinformatics, machine learning
Emma Tumilty, PhD	Assistant Professor	SPPH	Research ethics, stigma
Gracie Vargas, PhD	Professor	Neurobiology	Neurocircuitry imaging in obesity and SUDs
Denise M. Wilkes, MD, PhD	Professor	ANESTH	Opioid prescription compliance devices/medical treatments
Ping Wu, PhD	Professor	Neurobiology	SUDs and neural stem cells
Jia Zhou, PhD	Professor	PHTO	Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery for SUDs

Eligibility and Nomination

Submit all documentation as a single PDF (in order listed above) to CAST@utmb.edu. Questions? Please contact us at 409-772-3093

Eligibility Criteria

U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency
Predoctoral candidates must be enrolled in a UTMB graduate program and should have completed required first-year coursework
Evidence of academic and research excellence, creativity, and motivation (including strong transcripts and research productivity)
Proposed research project relevant to thematic interests of the training program
Long-term dedication to advancing the science of SUDs

Nomination Requirements

Candidate should identify a primary Faculty Mentor and a Co-Mentor
Single LETTER OF NOMINATION co-signed by Faculty Mentor and Co-Mentor which addresses the nominee’s education, background and productivity, progress in graduate program to date, proposed research project, potential for project success, and commitment to a career that advances the science of SUDs (one page maximum)
Nominee’s current CURRICULUM VITAE
Mentor and Co-Mentor’s current CURRICULUM VITAE

Last Updated: March 06, 2025 RMG