Administrative Core

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY CORE A Core A: Administration supports the scientific goals of the Center for Adolescent Reward, Rhythms, and Sleep (CARRS) by overseeing the operational functions of each Center component, facilitating the Center’s internal and external communications, coordinating training and educational activities, and disseminating Center resources and findings to broader communities. More specifically, Core A has successfully addressed the following specific aims during CARRS-1, and will build on this success in CARRS-2: Aim 1: To provide administrative support for the Center’s translational research, training, education, and outreach objectives. Aim 2: To provide research training and career development opportunities at the intersection of sleep, circadian, and substance use research. These include a Pilot Study Program and multiple training and educational activities to address the needs of trainees at multiple levels. Aim 3: To provide educational and outreach activities to substance use research and treatment communities, educational organizations, the public, and policy makers. These efforts include a new Community Advisory Council in CARRS-2. Aim 4: To maximize impact of the Center’s work by sharing its technical and data resources. Aim 5: To conduct systematic evaluation and quality improvement of all activities and processes within the Center. The scientific, training and educational and outreach efforts spearheaded by Core A are supported by 1) a Scientific Coordinating Committee (SCC) comprising the project and core leads and co-investigators, 2) a University Advisory Board (UAB) consisting of departmental and university leaders in clinical and translational mental health research who can help promote the overall goals of the Center, 3) an External Advisory Board (EAB) consisting of 6 senior scientists with expertise in scientific content areas relevant to the Center as well as experience in administering research centers and overseeing training and education programs. The SCC meets monthly to set overall Center scientific priorities; discuss progress and obstacles toward achieving Center, Core, and Project goals; and plan for upcoming Center training and educational activities. The UAB and EAB provide local and outside expertise on both the management/progress of the Center, as well as content expertise in each of the key areas contributing to the Center. In concert, the SCC, UAB and EAB ensure that the goals of the Center are achieved in accordance with the milestones described in the Center Plan. Scientific and administrative leadership of the Center are provided by the Center MPIs, Drs. Colleen McClung and Daniel Buysse. Drs. McClung and Buysse are responsible for the overall scientific and fiscal management of the Center, for facilitating the interactions of basic and clinical research investigators engaged in collaborative projects, and for promoting the training and outreach efforts of the Center. Core A Co-Investigator Dr. Jessica Levenson bring her expertise in community engagement and collaboration to CARRS-2. Drs. McClung, Buysse, and Levenson are assisted in Core A activities by Center Administrator S. Aerni and an administrative team.