Virginia Commonwealth University IRACDA

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The future of biomedical research depends on a robust pool of well-trained scientists who are equipped to investigate the priority health issues of the 21st century. In addition, it is necessary to cultivate a cadre of enthusiastic, ambitious, and creative educators who can inspire their students to pursue careers in research. Because postdoctoral training typically focuses on research, future educators face the challenge of developing both the teaching skills and the research portfolio necessary to be competitive for faculty positions. As a research-intensive institution with 18 Schools and Colleges including medicine, pharmacy, public health, nursing, health professions, engineering, and education, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is uniquely positioned to provide this comprehensive training. The VCU IRACDA program has collaborated with Virginia State University (VSU) since 2010, and is designed to address this challenge with two major goals. The first is to prepare postdoctoral fellows for faculty positions through career development in both cutting edge research and advanced teaching skills. VCU IRACDA scholars perform research under the guidance of experienced mentors, and participate in hands-on mentored teaching at our partner university VSU. The second goal of VCU IRACDA is to enhance collaborations between VCU and VSU, by expanding the VSU curriculum and promoting research opportunities for students and faculty. These goals will be accomplished through the following Specific Aims: (1) Annually identify at least 6 highly qualified applicants and recruit 2 outstanding postdoctoral scholars to the 3- year VCU IRACDA program (steady state 6 scholars); (2) Provide VCU IRACDA postdoctoral fellows with multifaceted and intensive career development training in research and teaching; (3) Enhance the curricular offerings and research environment at VSU through course delivery with a strong foundation in current research trends and methodologies; and (4) Continue our rigorous evaluation and tracking system for longitudinal follow-up of VCU IRACDA program impacts on scholars and on VSU students and faculty members.