The University of Pennsylvania provides a variety of resources for faculty, staff, and students.

Here we have compiled some of the resources that are available to our trainees.  Please note, that while many programs are available to all members of the community, some are specific to different groups.  We have tried to indicate this information whenever possible, but please check with each program for eligibility.

Key Resources

Grant & Funding Resources

There are many resources available to trainees, both funding opportunities and for support with grant preparation. Below are a few that many of our trainees have taken advantage of and may be useful.

This not an exhaustive list and you should be proactive in researching grant opportunities.  Also, be sure sign-up for relevant funding, seminar, and workshop opportunities through Penn and external organizations.

Graduate Students

Grants are submitted with the help of BGS; and their websites is an excellent source of information on available funding mechanisms!

NIH-funded mechanisms

NRSA F31 Fellowships

Our trainees have a strong track-record for receiving F31 Fellowships, with 5 students awarded funding in 2021!

T32 options at Penn

In addition to the Penn Dermatology T32, there are many T32 training opportunities available for predocs

Postdocs/Residents/Fellows

Grants are submitted through the Department, email the Dermatology Grants Team at DermatologyGrants@uphs.upenn.edu for more information on internal deadline and submission requirements.

The BPP provides a comprehensive list of resources to find funding opportunities and for writing and submitting applications

NIH-funded mechanisms

NRSA F32 Fellowships

NIH K-awards

Penn Dermatology is proud of our many trainees that have been recipients of these career awards through the NIH

T32 options at Penn

In addition to the Penn Dermatology T32, there are many T32 training opportunities available for postdocs

Foundation Grants

A short list of foundation grant programs that have recently sponsored Penn Derm Trainees

Dermatology Foundation

The DF currently supports nine Penn Dermatology Investigators!

The DF Research Awards Programs offers multiple funding mechanisms from research grants to career development awards. Applications are due on or around October 15th each year. All applications must be sponsored by the Department. Check back in the summer for more details on how to begin the application process.

American Cancer Foundation Fellowship

Paola Kuri, PhD of the Rompolas Lab received an ACS fellowship in 2019.

Deadlines are April 1st and October 15th

Prevent Cancer Now Foundation

Aayushi Uberoi, PhD, of the Grice Lab was  awarded the 2021 Awesome Games Done Quick Fellowship.

Sign up on the website to receive information on grant opportunities.

National Psoriasis Foundation 

William Song of the Gelfand Lab was recently awarded a 2023 Psoriatic Disease Research Fellowship.

Sign up on the NPF website to receive information on grant opportunities.

Dermatological Societies

Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID)

The SID is the leading scientific society for skin health and disease. It carries out its mission “to advance and promote the sciences relevant to skin health and disease through education, advocacy, and scholarly exchange of scientific information, through the annual meeting, The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, and various educational programs.

The Department of Dermatology at Penn Medicine has a strong relationship with the SID, with many of our faculty and trainees being members.  Many of our postdocs and students will get the chance to attend and present at the annual SID meeting during their training period.

Dermatology Foundation (DF)

A non-profit founded in 1964, the Dermatology Foundation is dedicated supporting young skin investigators as they  advancing our knowledge of the skin biology and disease.  To date the DF has funded more than 2,400 grants totaling more than $80 million.

Penn Dermatology has been fortunate to sponsor many aspiring skin scientists for basic research, clinical research, physician-scientist, and career development awards through the DF foundation.  In 2021, Penn Dermatology researchers were awarded 13 grants from the Dermatology Foundation.  We are grateful for their support of our next generation of skin scientists.

Professional Societies

National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)

The mission of the NPA is “improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, we facilitate enhanced professional growth, raise awareness, and collaborate with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community.” The NPA offers provides, employment, and career resources; organizes an annual meeting; and offers volunteer opportunities.

Penn BPP is a sustaining member of the NPA meaning all Penn postdocs are entitled to complementary affiliate memberships.  See the BPP webpage for how to join.

Association of Women in Science (AWIS)

“For individuals seeking equity for women in science, engineering, technology and math, AWIS provides career development, networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. In addition, our thought leadership, research, and advocacy benefit all women in science.” AWIS is a national organization with a very active Philadelphia Chapter.

Miscellaneous External Resources

Every good researcher knows that information is key, but sometimes knowing where to go to find that information is challenging. Here we have compiled a list of random resources that our trainees have found helpful.  If you have anything to add to this page, please email us!

Online Data Sources

  • Genepaint: high resolution gene expression data
  • Hair-gel.net: searchable Gene Expression Library for hair follicle

Free Software Products (note some offer light version for free)

Product/Reagent Resources

  • BenchSci:  online resource that allows you to quickly compare antibodies from multiple companies for various protocols
  • Genetic Perturbation Platform (GPP): resource for designing shRNA and gRNA for CRISPR
  • MGI: the international database resource for the laboratory mouse, providing integrated genetic, genomic, and biological data to facilitate the study of human health and disease.
  • Primerbank: online searchable database for PCR Primers for Gene Expression Detection and Quantification

Bibliography/Reference Resources

  • BibBase: Online database service for storing your publication record, imports directly from popular reference managers, allows you to easily keep your own website up to date
  • Papers: online reference management tool that allows for note taking and can integrate with lab groups, subscription required

Educational Resources

  • Jax.org education & training: comprehensive source of information for mouse protocols from basic husbandry to advanced in vivo procedures
  • Khan Academy: Free online library of educational training vides; excellent resource to review basic lab techniques like PCR and immunostaining with a new undergrad or PASH trainee