Fellowship Vaishnav: Therapuetic Strategies for Spinal Cord Injury

C. RESEARCH TRAINING PLANS The applicant plans to continue the calpain inhibitor study using A-705253, for which initial results have been promising. The completion of Aim 1, in order to select the best dosing regimen and therapeutic window for this compound, will be completed in the initial months of the budget period. Aim 2 will combine the ROS scavenger Tempol, for which the best dosing regimen has been elucidated, with A-705253, to assess whether greater neuroprotection is obtained. Once an appropriate dosing regimen is established, the applicant will continue to train in methods for evaluating neuroprotection that include histological, functional and behavioral techniques, as described in the fellowship application. Such well-rounded exposure will prepare me for future independent academic research as well asJoster new interactions with experts in behavioral and physiological aspects of spinal cord injury. In addition, the applicant plans to continue discussions with Dr. Hall and other faculty and peers to gain valuable mentorship in grant writing, manuscript writing, manuscript reviewing, laboratory management and presentation skills. Finally, by the end of the training period, the applicant hopes to gain a firm understanding of the spinal cord injury research field as well as the foundation necessary for the fruitful start of an independent research career. 200908031434