A conversation with the 2022 PhD student cohort for the GW HIV T32 training grant: Brita Ostermeier and Josh Ghofrani. The HIV T32 (T32 AI 158105) is designed to provide specific training and mentoring to students to pursue HIV research within their PhD and into their careers.

What research are you pursuing and how does it relate to the HIV T32?

Brita: I am researching how HIV infection or latency in microglia could affect the ability of NK cells to target this reservoir in the central nervous system (CNS). The idea is that NK cells traffic into the CNS during HIV infection and are unable to detect the latent viral reservoir of microglia. My research is focused mainly on HIV persistence, or how HIV persists in the CNS during antiretroviral therapy. 

Josh: My research has focused on exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of importing techniques from nanotechnology and nanomedicine into the field of HIV cure research. The main thread of my dissertation work thus far has been the development and characterization of novel anti-viral nanoparticles that co-localize the delivery of multiple immunomodulatory agents – such as cytokines and antibodies – to target persistent reservoirs of latent HIV infection. This work nicely aligns with the mission of the HIV T32 to support research projects with the potential to address HIV persistence. 

What types of training are you exposed to as part of the HIV T32? 

Brita: As part of the T32 program, we are connected to DC CFAR (https://dccfar.gwu.edu) where we attend regular seminars that allow us to connect with the HIV research community in DC. We are also encouraged to take part in a Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) class at GW, which I am taking this semester. This class is a great way to learn how RCR can be applied day-to-day as a researcher. 

Josh: The HIV T32 facilitates a wide variety of training experiences for students. There are multiple venues to practice communicating and presenting our work, mentoring from a dedicated committee, which includes a clinical expert, opportunities to connect with core facilities staff at both internal and external institutions to learn new experimental techniques, and financial support to attend conferences. 

For future HIV T32 applicants, what would you recommend when preparing the application? 

Brita: I recommend learning as much as you can about the HIV T32 either from the website or from other applicants. It is important that as an applicant you show that you’ve done your research on the program and are excited to be able to participate. While the research approach is a very important part of the application, it is also important to illustrate your commitment to upholding the values/goals of a T32 recipient and your passion for research. 

Josh: I would say the most important consideration for a successful application is to ensure that the rationale for your research proposal is clearly expressed. 

Finally, why did you apply to the HIV T32 and would you recommend the program to others? 

Brita: I applied for the HIV T32 as I was interested in connecting with the HIV research community and gaining new laboratory skills in the field. I would absolutely recommend this program to others! I think this program is a great way to expose predoctoral researchers to the field. 

Josh: I applied to the HIV T32 to connect with the world-class faculty within MITM and beyond, to gain support and mentorship for my research project, and to take advantage of the unique training resources offered by this program. I would absolutely recommend others to apply!

Thanks to Brita and Josh for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer these questions! See below to find out more information about the HIV T32.