Promoting a Diverse VA Research Workforce along the Translational Research Continuum

Michael E Debakey Va Medical Center, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

To diversify the scientific research workforce in VA, we propose a summer research program (SRP) focused on underrepresented college students and designed around three crucial elements: mentorship, peer networks, and exposure to research. Underrepresented students may be particularly drawn to research that has a real-world impact on patients, people, and communities. We designed our program around the full spectrum of translational research, the goal of which is to produce discoveries that can have a real-world impact and to translate basic science discoveries more quickly and effectively into routine clinical practice and impact upon Veterans and population health. A unique strength of our program is that our SRP will provide students with experiences in translational research across the continuum from basic laboratory research, to clinical and implementation trials, to public health/policy research. The translational spectrum will be woven throughout our entire curriculum, from didactics to experiential training and research rotations. Students will select one phase of the translational continuum in which to complete their research rotation, and, by the end of the program, will be able to identify how their research project fits within the larger translational spectrum. Another strength of our program, in contrast to other SRPs in the local area, is the emphasis on research that is relevant to Veterans, including priority areas such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurodegenerative disorders, and military exposures. Our SRP is based out of the metropolitan Houston area, which is one of the most diverse cities in the US and contains 2 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 12 Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The Houston VA is an excellent environment for this SRP, in that we have a diverse, highly successful research faculty with over $29 million per year in research funding. The Houston VA also has a demonstrated commitment to research training, with 15 current Career Development Awardees, six OAA funded research fellowships, and multiple T32 research training programs hosted by faculty at our affiliate, Baylor College of Medicine. The proposed SRP has been created through the collaboration of the Houston VA’s two premier interdisciplinary research centers, the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) and the Center for Translational Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID). Our centers have a long and robust history of mentoring learners to independent research careers, producing productive scientists and healthcare leaders. The program directors, Dr. Hundt and Rumbaut, each have over a decade leading research training programs. Participating in the program are 36 funded mentors, including 25 mentors who are PIs of VA funding, spanning biomedical laboratory, clinical, health services, and rehabilitation research funding portfolios. All mentors will complete training in culturally aware mentoring before participating. We will recruit 6-8 undergraduates per year for a 10-week research experience. Students will participate in didactic training on translational research topics and responsible conduct of research, journal clubs, field trips to see translational research in action, and workshops focused on skill development and career advancement. To facilitate student peer networking and peer support, students will have an SRP student lunch weekly and opportunities to network with summer research students at our affiliate, Baylor College of Medicine. Each student will complete the experience by producing and presenting a poster based upon their summer research project. Evaluation of student outcomes includes satisfaction with the program and impact on research career interest, research identity, and research self-efficacy immediately post-program and a year later.