“Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Training Program,” led by SDRC affiliated member Dr. Christopher Gardner (NHLBI), trains behavioral, epidemiological and clinical scientists to conduct interdisciplinary and translational population-level research aimed at the prevention of CVD and to reduce health disparities. A unique feature of this training experience is the focus on health policy, epidemiology and behavior to enact a paradigm-shifting model of population science that provides cutting edge opportunities for SDRC-affiliated postdoctoral fellows and PIs to conduct diabetes-relevant research. The training program includes structured learning in study design, data collection, data analyses, manuscript preparation, results dissemination and grant preparation. Six SDRC affiliated investigators support this program and, among other efforts, shape our understanding of how dietary interventions impact obesity and diabetes.