Dr. Annaiah's past experience over thirty years of conducting research in translational medicine, developmental biology and immunology, and teaching and mentoring medical and graduate students, on two continents, directly influences his present position since 2015 as a developer and steward of mentoring and educational programs at the Tulane National Primate Research Center.
With an increased emphasis on mentoring coming from the NIH Office of the Director, the Primate Center instituted a formal mentoring program to assist faculty development, which has been remarkably successful, as most junior faculty now have their own R01’s and independent research programs.
The goal of the Mentoring Program dovetails with the broader educational mission of the Primate Center. It is intended to facilitate the maturation of academic, scientific, and managerial knowledge and skills in junior faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students through the time-tested method of mentorship. The program is viewed as a resource for mentees, to assist them in meeting TNPRC and Tulane University expectations. It is also an opportunity for senior faculty to share their scientific, and managerial expertise with the next generation of researchers.
To date, the Mentoring Program consists of three initiatives: the Junior Faculty Mentoring Program, the Senior Faculty and Senior Staff Led Session, and the Trainee Mentoring Program.
Dr. Annaiah also coordinates the Summer Students Program. This program consists of two arms, Research and Veterinary. The Summer Research Program is aimed at undergraduates while the Summer Veterinary Program is for veterinary students. This popular program attracts students from across the nation, and abroad.
