Cardiovascular Research Training Program (CRTP)

The Cardiovascular Research Training Program (CRTP) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Health Sciences Center (HSC) is funded by a T32 grant from the NIH National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The goal of the CRTP is to provide exceptional pre- and post-doctoral trainees a broad, multidisciplinary background in cardiovascular and pulmonary research with integration between basic and clinical sciences. This research program provides a rich academic training environment, including the resources, technical approaches, communication skills, and professional interactions that will aid the trainee becoming an independent investigator in cardiovascular research.

The CRTP partners with the interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences Graduate at the UNM HSC.  This non-departmental program provides training for PhD students in biomedical sciences in the first year followed by in-depth training in the chosen discipline in subsequent years.  A training program with a concentration in cardiovascular physiology is available for all predoctoral CRTP trainees in the BSGP. 

The CRTP T32 provides an NIH level stipend, and allowances for tuition and fees, health insurance, training-related expenses, and travel to scientific meetings.  Appointments are 2-3 years for predoctoral students and 2 years for postdoctoral trainees, with subsequent support provided by individual training fellowships or mentored career awards. Applications are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents as per federal requirements. Individuals from under-represented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The program currently includes 25 faculty mentors at the School of Medicine and College of Pharmacy with research programs in vascular biology, cardiovascular toxicology and development, cell signaling, and clinical and translational research. Specific research interests include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, oxidant signaling, metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, ion channels and intracellular calcium dynamics, endothelial biology, air pollutants and vascular injury, ischemic brain injury, adaptive immunity, estrogen receptor signaling, stem cell biology, drug discovery, and sleep apnea.

The University of New Mexico, founded in 1889, is located in the heart of Albuquerque, a metropolitan area of more than 500,000 people situated in the historic Rio Grande River Valley at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountains. Albuquerque is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, reflected in its unique architecture, art, and cuisine (https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/). The city’s high altitude climate, abundant sunshine, and surrounding mountainous terrain provide many opportunities for outdoor activities, including skiing, golfing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

For more information and program application instructions, please contact the CRTP Program Director, Dr. Thomas Resta.

Thomas C. Resta, Ph.D.  Professor and CRTP Director  Vascular Physiology Group  Dept. of Cell Biology and Physiology  MSC08 4750  1 University of New Mexico  Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001  Phone: 505-272-8822  Fax: 505-272-6649  Email: tresta@salud.unm.edu  VIVO Profile