Our training program provides trainees at various stages of their careers with the tools necessary to develop feasible, translational research projects.

In doing so, the program directors hope to create a pipeline for researchers as well as diversify the field.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students who can spend time in the NY area are welcome to apply to participate in an eight-week Summer Research Experience Program. The program will provide students with a background in translational research and an understanding of the clinical phenomenology related to suicidal behavior. In addition to shadowing a research fellow and senior researcher, the chosen candidates will attend Conte Center research meetings, related classes, and potentially analyze data and prepare a presentation.

For further information, please contact Kevin Ochsner, Ph.D., Frances Champagne, Ph.D., Maura Boldrini, M.D., Ph.D., Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Victoria Arango, Ph.D., or Todd Ogden, Ph.D.. Eligible applicants will be screened by a review committee.

Predoctoral Students

The Conte Center training program will accept applications from students who are nominated by lab directors within Columbia’s psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience departments. Those identified as the most qualified students with great potential to benefit from the Center’s projects can work with a mentor to develop their application. Students will receive a $5,000 stipend for their commitment to the program.

For more information, please contact Kevin Ochsner, Ph.D., Maura Boldrini, M.D., Ph.D., Todd Ogden, Ph.D., or Frances Champagne, Ph.D..

T-32 Supported Research Fellows

The Conte Center training program will accept applications from research fellows in their second and third year of training. Eligible applicants must be supported by postdoctoral research fellowships such as:

• Mood, Anxiety and Related Disorders
• Late Life Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Developmental Neurobiology and
• Substance Abuse

Recipients of the Janssen Fellowship — a program dedicated to mentoring fellows in translational neuroscience research — will also be considered. In addition, fellows must be sponsored by the head of their research area, who will also serve as one of their mentors. Applicants are required to submit a proposal for a translational research project that covers a topic within one of the Center’s six project areas. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee.

Additionally, an annual 4-6 week course will also be offered to selected eligible fellows. The course will focus on an important issue in translational research. For more information, please contact Steve Roose, M.D..

Psychiatric Residents

The Conte Center training program will accept applications for a research elective from psychiatric residents with a letter of nomination from their residency training director. Resident applicants who are selected by the Conte Center Review Committee will then be paired with Conte Center faculty. Selected applicants will also be offered electives that focus on a research project for 3-12 months, during which they will be assigned a mentor.

For more information, please contact the Director of Residency Training at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Maria Oquendo, M.D..