Research Experience and Training Coordination Core
Tammy Dugas (Leader) and Jennifer Irving
The overall goal of our Center is to understand how environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) induce pulmonary/cardiovascular dysfunction and how to prevent their formation, enhance decay, and limit exposure, with the ultimate goal of improving human health and the environment. To accomplish this objective, the LSU Superfund Research Center brings together scientists from diverse areas, including chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and toxicology. Trainees working within the Center receive their training through work described in the individual projects, as well as through participation in activities organized by the Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC).
The Center has successfully trained over 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in its diverse research disciplines. The RETCC has facilitated their training through unique programs meant to enhance their appreciation of cross-disciplinary collaboration, for mentoring and communicating to diverse audiences, including K–12 students and community groups, and for the responsible conduct of research. The RETCC also works with other offices at LSU to recruit a diverse population of high-quality students and post-doctoral fellows with research interests in the environmental and environmental health sciences.
The RETCC will facilitate the professional development of all LSU SRP trainees through these specific aims:
Interdisciplinary Training
Within our Center, interdisciplinary training occurs naturally by regular contact and discussion among our research groups. The RETCC also facilitates a monthly webinar/ seminar series, an externship program, and several interdisciplinary courses for trainees.
Professional Development
The RETCC provides opportunities for trainees to enhance their professional career development through education programs in grant writing, presentation skills, and leadership, as well as data management, analysis, and sharing. For example, trainees have opportunities to present their research as part of our webinar/ seminar series, at the Center’s annual Dellinger Symposium, and the at the Superfund Research Program’s national conference.
Community Engagement and Research Translation
Trainees have opportunities to participate in research translation and community engagement activities and develop their ability to communicate with diverse audiences. For the current funding cycle, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in a service-learning class that interacts with high school students from North Baton Rouge and undergraduates at Southern University.