Versiti - T32 Training Grant | Versiti Blood Research Institute
Fund Research Order
Careers Resources VersiPASS
Explore our service lines
Explore our service lines

T32 Grant in Training in Transfusion Medicine and Classical Hematology

About Our Program

The T32 grant in Training in Transfusion Medicine and Classical Hematology is a joint effort between Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). It is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as Award Number T32HL170989-01.

Two trainees working at a bench conducting tests.

Purpose

Scientists trained in transfusion medicine, classical hematology and glycobiology research are currently underrepresented in medicine. Trainees accepted into this program will build the necessary skills and knowledge base to become independent scientists who will then pursue careers that advance science, improving the health of millions of people with blood disorders.

Trainee sitting at a lab bench.

Overview

Every trainee will have an individual development plan (IDP) that includes a mentored research project as its core component. In addition, each trainee will have a clinical co-mentor to learn about the translational and clinical aspects of their research.

The IDP will cover:

  • Bench science with a didactic lecture module
  • Focused technology workshop
  • Regular weekly science conferences
  • Participation in national meetings
  • Mandatory Responsible Conduct for Research course

Each trainee will also receive mentorship input from a scholarship oversight committee that will establish the IDP, ensure project completion and activity progress, and provide regular feedback to co-directors.

Trainee using an electron microscope.

Benefits

  • NIH salary according to postdoc level
  • Eligible for childcare stipend
  • Eligible for full-time employee VBRI benefits such as PTO, 401K match, and health insurance
  • Support for conference travel within T32 budget upon approval
  • Mentorship and evaluation
Trainee using state of the art testing equipment.

Application Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must have completed MD, PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
  • CV or biosketch in NIH format
  • Written statement (1-2 pages) about research plans and how they tie to T32 theme
  • One letter of support from a mentor
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional reference
Two research training applicants working through some testing.

Selection Process

The Executive Committee will review and evaluate the progress of selected trainees biannually. The Executive Committee will review each application and score. After that, the applicants will be expected to prepare a presentation to the committee at a later date. Each trainee can have up to a three-year appointment of the training grant. Applicants from areas and populations underrepresented in science are highly encouraged to apply.

Please compile all documents and send to Megan Baker at mbaker@versiti.org by March 27, 2026.

Recipients

 

Michelle Brenner, DO

2024 Award Winner
Medical College of Wisconsin

 

Daniel Villalobos Garcia, PhD

2025 Award Winner
Versiti Blood Research Institute

 

Natalia Weich, PhD

2025 Award Winner
Versiti Blood Research Institute

Co-Investigators

Karin Hoffmeister, MD

Senior Investigator, Interim Co-Director, and Executive Director for Research
Karin Hoffmeister, MD
Bio
Email

Alan E. Mast MD, PhD

Senior Investigator and Program Co-Leader
Alan E. Mast MD, PhD
Bio
Email

RelatedInformation

 

Z Research Training Opportunities

Research opportunities and continuing medical education for postdoctoral and graduate students looking for postdoctoral fellowships and graduate fellowships.
Read More
 

Z Our Investigators

Browse our Investigators, Emeritus Investigators, and other members of the Blood Research Institute.
Browse Directory
 

Z VBRI Education

Versiti Blood Research Institute researchers and staff have access to medical research seminars, fellowships, training opportunities and more.
Learn More
 

Versiti Blood Research Institute

Versiti Blood Research Institute investigators study blood disorders like hemophilia, blood cancers like leukemia, and other blood diseases.
Learn More