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

University Of Colorado Denver, Aurora CO

Investigators

Abstract

NETWORK CORE – PROJECT SUMMARY Building and nurturing a professional network is vital to being a successful researcher and a research organization. The goals of the ASCEND Network Core are to create a network that fosters important relationships for trainees and provides opportunities to build a robust pathway program of trainees in nephrology, urology, and non-malignant hematology (KUH). We will build a custom communication platform to include an interdisciplinary network of high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees and mentors and provide access to essential resources to promote career entry and retention in KUH research. Through our program, trainees will establish personal and professional relationships with top-notch researchers and mentors who address high-impact research questions to further their potential and opportunities and to accomplish their scientific and career goals. In our preliminary data, we show that less than 25% of current and past trainees at the University of Colorado (CU) and the University of Utah (UU) had networked with peers or faculty outside of their institution. The majority of trainees wanted more time and opportunities to interact with peers and faculty both within and outside their institution. In Aim 1, we will create an inspiring research community in which KUH trainees can exchange ideas, innovations, and scientific expertise with peers, mentors, and alumni. We will utilize virtual and in-person platforms to engage trainees with peers, mentors, and the KUH research community. The use of multilevel mentoring promotes interdisciplinary collaborations, innovation, and team science. In Aim 2, we will organize activities and support teams focused on personal and professional development, connectivity, and collaboration. We will develop a peer mentoring and coaching program designed to promote networking, career development, retention, and success in academic medicine. We will create an online peer-to-peer platform to increase social and professional interactions for faculty and trainees. In Aim 3, we will develop community outreach programs to encourage and attract students to KUH research to create and sustain a seamless pathway for KUH researchers. We will leverage existing outreach programs and events at CU and UU. Joshua Thurman MD (CU Nephrology) and Adrianne Dorrance PhD (UU Hematology) will serve as the Network Core Directors. Dr. Thurman is a Professor, physician-scientist, and research administrator at CU who has been a leader in career development and mentoring. He also has experience in developing a research community for immune-complex kidney disease. Dr. Dorrance is an Associate Professor and research scientist who brings a strong track record of mentoring, connecting trainees and faculty with research resources, and in promoting professional and interinstitutional networking. We believe the creation of the networking strategy proposed in ASCEND will result in KUH trainees being better equipped to collaborate, publish, communicate, and succeed in research careers, which will be key to achieving success in the workforce in generations to come.