The specific objectives of this training program are for trainees to attain theoretical and methodological capability to:

1.   Expand understanding of the biobehavioral interface between individual vulnerability and environmental risk throughout the lifespan,  incorporating advances in understanding and reducing health disparities.

2.   Integrate biological and behavioral instrumentation and state of the art technologies for studying transactions between individual vulnerability and environmental risk for disease, disability, or progression of these adverse health responses.

3.   Expand interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts to test interventions aimed at managing biobehavioral vulnerability and risk in preventing disease, impairment and functional disability, or preventing progression of disease, impairment and disability.

This institutional training program supports six (6) predoctoral and three (3) postdoctoral scholars each year in order to continue to increase the cadre of nurse scientists skilled in biobehavioral theory and methodology. At the  completion of the program, trainees are expected to:

1.   Demonstrate skill in using integrated methodologies such as advanced instrumentation, biotechnologies for biobehavioral management of vulnerability and risk in selected populations.

2.   Articulate biologically plausible and sound scientific understanding of the mechanistic linkages between biologic, behavioral and social manifestations of vulnerability and risk in selected populations.

3.   Demonstrate skill in design of studies that advance descriptive and theoretical understanding of the interfaces of vulnerability and risk in health and illness over the lifespan.

4.   Collaborate with investigators in nursing and other disciplines to prevent onset or progression of impairment, disability and disease, and to reduce health disparities in these areas.

5.   Carry out or collaborate in an appropriate investigation in management of biobehavioral vulnerability and risk, or selective or indicated prevention in a particular population.

6.   Explore and develop advanced analytic strategies for understanding variability in vulnerability and risk in selected populations over time (such as advanced time series analysis, nonlinear dynamic analyses, use of neural networks to distinguish patterns of response).

7.   Report findings in manner suitable for publication to a variety of biological and behavioral scientist audiences.

8.   Demonstrate respect for and commitment to the principles of scientific integrity in research.