During the first year, the fellow will be supported in the process of identifying a mentored research project and pursuing any additional training that is needed in order to successfully conduct their research.

The primary focus of the second year, and between 3 to 6 months of the third year (dependent on track selected), is the development of research skills and completion of a clinical, basic, and/or translational research project.

Fellows in our program benefit from diverse research opportunities, whether clinical, translational, and/or basic science, both within and outside of the division. Multiple well-developed research programs are headed by faculty within the division. Dr. Emily Germain-Lee is a world-renowned researcher on rare genetic bone disorders (including Osteogenesis Imperfecta) and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). Her recent work included sending mice to the International Space Station (ISS) that may have implications for preventing muscle and bone loss that is known to occur in astronauts during space travel. Dr. Cem Demirci collaborates with The Jackson Laboratory to explore the intestinal microbiome and its links to diabetes development via the immune system. Dr. Rebecca Riba-Wolman is the lead of the largest collaboration site for the world’s first glycogen storage disease human gene therapy trial. Dr. Karen Loechner is a primary investigator for the world’s mRNA-based therapeutic trial in participants with Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a, and is also a PI for clinical trials focused on OI and CAH.

Fellows regularly publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at national/international meetings under the guidance of faculty members, within the division and through collaboration and mentorship at both the UConn School of Medicine and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine.

During the first year, the fellow has 6 weeks of protected research time during which they regularly meet with the program director who supports them in identifying a research mentor and to start development of their research project.

The final two years are largely protected research time with 8 to 9 months during the second year, and between 5 months (research track) to 8 months (clinical track) during the third year, as detailed in Curriculum-Clinical.

Although grant submission is encouraged, another benefit of our program is that a trainee's salary for the final two years of fellowship will be supported, even if no funding is obtained. Previous research experience is not a requirement for our program.

Interested fellows may pursue a Master of Science degree through the UConn Graduate School's Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research Program, or a Masters of Public Health through the UConn School of Medicine, at their own expense.