Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Team Science is a new video series from the University of Virginia School of Medicine that spotlights the research teams behind our labs — faculty, students, and staff working together. A spinoff of the Research in Motion series, each video gives collaborators and their teams a chance to share insights into their work and working relationships. Our debut episode features Manoj Patel, PhD, and PhD student Hannah Grote, who together discuss UVA's NIH-funded Epilepsy T32 training grant and what it means for the next generation of epilepsy researchers.
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Transcript
Manoj Patel, PhD, is a Professor of Anesthesiology; Hannah Grote is a PhD student
Transcript
Dr Patel:
My name is Manoj Patel and I'm a co-PI on this epilepsy training grant with Mark Beenhakker, and today I've got Hannah with me.
Hannah:
Hi, my name is Hannah Grote. I'm in Jaeda Coutinho-Budd's lab and I'm a recipient of the Epilepsy T32.
Dr Patel:
The importance of any T32 training program is to train the next generation of scientists. The epilepsy training program's goal is to train the next generation of epilepsy scientists. UVA has a rich and sustained history producing world-class epilepsy researchers.
Hannah:
From my perspective, I currently work in a Drosophila neurobiology lab. I'm investigating neuron-glia interactions in seizure generation. My research really focuses on more granular aspects of molecular pathways and genetics. One of the benefits of this T32 training program for me is access to clinical experiences. I'm also really excited about the opportunity to shadow physicians as part of this training program, where I'll be able to go shadow physicians and speak with epilepsy patients, which both really helps with my motivation for my research, and also allows me to communicate with those patients to discuss what I'm working on, and how my research on a more basic level can translate more clinically through translational research.
Dr Patel:
The mentoring and training environment at UVA is unique because it combines highly
motivated mentors, as well as a highly collaborative environment. The epilepsy training program includes both basic scientists who provide training in cutting-edge scientific techniques, but also clinicians who bring the clinical aspect of the disease.
Hannah:
So from a student perspective, the UVA mentorship environment is really unique because of the really engaged faculty. So I've taken lots of classes as part of the neuroscience department and I've been able to work with lots of different faculty week through week and I think it just really shows that the UVA faculty really care about having deep discussions with students and promoting their training.
Dr Patel:
Think of it not just as a source of funding for students, although that’s very important, but see it as a structured scientific training program. Find mentors whose research aligns with the program and take advantage of the highly collaborative nature at UVA. In addition, seek out those who've been awarded a T32 and get their advice on how you may want to approach this. Take advantage of the highly collaborative nature of UVA and write that T32, it's well worth it.
Hannah:
My advice for student applicants first and foremost is to always apply. If your research is applicable and you’re really interested in what you're working on and want to present it to UVA, I think it's always well worth it to apply for the program. It's a really great way to get practice writing about your science and thinking about your project as a whole.
Team Science is a new video series from the University of Virginia School of Medicine that spotlights the research teams behind our labs — faculty, students, and staff working together. A spinoff of the Research in Motion series, each video gives collaborators and their teams a chance to share insights into their work and working relationships. Our debut episode features Manoj Patel, PhD, and PhD student Hannah Grote, who together discuss UVA's NIH-funded Epilepsy T32 training grant and what it means for the next generation of epilepsy researchers.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Transcript
Manoj Patel, PhD, is a Professor of Anesthesiology; Hannah Grote is a PhD student
Transcript
Dr Patel:
My name is Manoj Patel and I'm a co-PI on this epilepsy training grant with Mark Beenhakker, and today I've got Hannah with me.
Hannah:
Hi, my name is Hannah Grote. I'm in Jaeda Coutinho-Budd's lab and I'm a recipient of the Epilepsy T32.
Dr Patel:
The importance of any T32 training program is to train the next generation of scientists. The epilepsy training program's goal is to train the next generation of epilepsy scientists. UVA has a rich and sustained history producing world-class epilepsy researchers.
Hannah:
From my perspective, I currently work in a Drosophila neurobiology lab. I'm investigating neuron-glia interactions in seizure generation. My research really focuses on more granular aspects of molecular pathways and genetics. One of the benefits of this T32 training program for me is access to clinical experiences. I'm also really excited about the opportunity to shadow physicians as part of this training program, where I'll be able to go shadow physicians and speak with epilepsy patients, which both really helps with my motivation for my research, and also allows me to communicate with those patients to discuss what I'm working on, and how my research on a more basic level can translate more clinically through translational research.
Dr Patel:
The mentoring and training environment at UVA is unique because it combines highly
motivated mentors, as well as a highly collaborative environment. The epilepsy training program includes both basic scientists who provide training in cutting-edge scientific techniques, but also clinicians who bring the clinical aspect of the disease.
Hannah:
So from a student perspective, the UVA mentorship environment is really unique because of the really engaged faculty. So I've taken lots of classes as part of the neuroscience department and I've been able to work with lots of different faculty week through week and I think it just really shows that the UVA faculty really care about having deep discussions with students and promoting their training.
Dr Patel:
Think of it not just as a source of funding for students, although that’s very important, but see it as a structured scientific training program. Find mentors whose research aligns with the program and take advantage of the highly collaborative nature at UVA. In addition, seek out those who've been awarded a T32 and get their advice on how you may want to approach this. Take advantage of the highly collaborative nature of UVA and write that T32, it's well worth it.
Hannah:
My advice for student applicants first and foremost is to always apply. If your research is applicable and you’re really interested in what you're working on and want to present it to UVA, I think it's always well worth it to apply for the program. It's a really great way to get practice writing about your science and thinking about your project as a whole.
