Mountain States Advancement in Research, Supportive Networking and Career Development (ASCEND)

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Abstract

ADMINISTRATIVE CORE – PROJECT SUMMARY The mission of our Mountain States ASCEND Advancement in Research, Supportive Networking and Career Development Program is to train and cultivate future academic leaders in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology (KUH) by engaging trainees via networking and programs that provide early exposure to dedicated researchers in the ASCEND network. With fewer applicants pursuing academic careers in KUH research, there is a major need to re-invigorate KUH specialties and excite the new generations about the joys of scientific investigation. To accomplish this objective, we combined research and training strengths at the University of Colorado (CU) and the University of Utah (UU). Through this collaboration, we have developed an innovative, comprehensive training program stressing translational science, alliances between MDs and PhDs, and incorporation of the newest scientific platforms and didactic training. The Administrative Core will be responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and oversight of the entire ASCEND Program (i.e., Cores and Committees) and it will provide the required infrastructure to unite KUH researchers at CU and UU. The Administrative Core will coordinate workflow, distribution, and access to educational and research resources and assess the performance of the program. The Administrative Core will be led by investigators from CU and UU to enhance and strengthen communication among Cores. Aylin Rodan, MD (UU Nephrology) will direct the Administrative Core. Dr. Rodan is an Associate Professor, Chief of the Nephrology Division at UU, and a member of the NIDDK Council. Judith Blaine MD PhD (CU Nephrology) will serve as Co-Director. Dr. Blaine is a Professor, Associate Division Head for Clinical Affairs, and Clinical Director of the Nephrology Division at CU. Thus, both directors have experience leading divisions, research programs, and training. They will be assisted by a Program Coordinator and Manager who will assist with core functions, day-to-day operations, and communications. To promote shared governance the Administrative Core will implement a Leadership Council composed of Core leaders and key stakeholders from the Professional Development, Networking, and TL1 Training Cores to oversee the program. The Aims of the Administrative Core are to: 1) Provide an organizational structure to provide direction and oversight, promote and monitor growth for all components, and foster training and research collaboration of the ASCEND Program; 2) Ensure access for all participants to core services and programs that advance ASCENDs collaborative research, education, and training missions; 3) Develop comprehensive program evaluation and data review to maintain the highest quality and applicability of the program and to monitor progress and adherence to program goals; 4) Organize and host one meeting of all NIDDK U2C/TL1 Award programs. Achieving these aims will build synergy among Cores, ensuring collaboration and integration to create an ideal training environment for future KUH investigators.