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Pathophysiology & Rehabilitation of Neural Dysfunction (PRND) Training Grant

The Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation of Neural Dysfunction (PRND) training grant was established in 1992. It is a program that has been generously supported by the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (CMRR). Additional support comes from Northwestern University and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Over the life of this program, more than 63 trainees have been directly supported by this award. Over the same period, more than 200 additional trainees have benefitted from the activities supported by this T32 award. Nearly 80% of these trainees remain in academia, and many are now established leaders in the field of rehabilitation medicine. The multifaceted success of our trainees and their continued ability to find ready employment emphasizes the importance of our mission.

Program Highlights

The PRND training program consists of the following components, which are available to all current and past trainees:

Scientific Training

  • Bi-monthly scientific chalk-talks with participating scientific and clinical researchers
  • Bi-monthly journal club on neurophysiological mechanisms contributing to impairment

Clinical Training

  • Clinical rotation relevant to the selected area of research
  • Observation of the entire course of treatment for a single patient

Scientific Communication

  • Grantsmanship courses
  • Mock-study section participation
  • Presentation skills training

In addition, student will receive training in professional development related to career planning and attend weekly seminars relevant to rehabilitation and neuromuscular control.

Additional Information

All current trainees also receive a yearly travel and research allowance. There are additional benefits specific to each category of trainee (e.g. predoctoral or postdoctoral).

Predoctoral candidates identified as potential trainees prior to enrolling at Northwestern can request summer support prior to their first year of graduate school. This support is intended to facilitate the transition from undergraduate to graduate research prior to the start of classes. Those interested should contact the program assistant anytime after deciding to enroll as a graduate student in biomedical or mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University.

Contact Information

Eric J. Perreault, PhD
Chair of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Northwestern University
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Email Eric