The goal of the Division’s research training is to allow fellows to pursue a project in their area of interest while providing them with a high quality experience that fosters intellectual development. We are committed to providing whatever support is necessary to allow our fellow to be successful in their research careers. 

The research training process begins approximately in December of the first year, when the first year fellows meet with the Division Director to discuss their research interests. They then meet with various faculty to discuss potential projects and have serial meetings with the Division Director until reaching a decision on what project and mentor they wish to choose. Once a primary mentor is chosen, the fellow is also assigned two additional mentor-level faculty who with the primary mentor compose a mentor panel for that fellow. The fellow meets with this panel at least quarterly during years two and three to review their research progress and to offer advice to facilitate their research project. The fellows’ actual research experience (time) will begin in the second year.  First year fellows are not expected to do any research. First year fellows are expected to submit one clinical manuscript during their first year. 

Faculty present their research during the Pulmonary Research Conference which will also serve to introduce the fellows to the various research projects in the division. Research opportunities are also available with mentors outside the pulmonary division, depending upon the fellow’s interests. 

Second Year

The goal of the second year is for fellows to develop a project and obtain preliminary data with the goal of presenting at a national conference, such as the ATS, ACCP, FASEB or SCCM.

At the beginning of this year, fellows and their mentors develop the fellow’s research project. During this time fellows begin to learn the various techniques involved particularly required basic science laboratory techniques. For fellows pursuing clinical research, OSU has a formal training program for clinical research. The program consists of didactic course work integrated with a research project. At the conclusion of the 2-year program, fellows will receive a Masters in Clinical Research and are expected to have written a research grant.

Third Year

The major goal of the third year research experience is to help the fellow make career decisions and aid in their career preparation.

During the third year, fellows continue work on their ongoing research projects with the expectation of presenting their continuing results at national conferences and completing a manuscript. All fellows are expected to have one or more research publications during their fellowship. Fellows are also expected to write a research grant during their third year regardless of whether they are in basic science or clinical research. Our division has a T32 training award from the NIH so there is the opportunity to fund fellows who may need additional time to complete their research proposals.