Optimizing health for all

National Institute Of Nursing Research

Investigators

Abstract

A major milestone during this timeframe was the approval of a comprehensive reorganization for the entire DIR. This restructuring centers on establishing a program with a strong emphasis on community engagement, showcasing NINR’s commitment to addressing health issues at both the individual and population levels. It is important to note that this newly restructuring is still in its infancy and is currently undergoing changes to adapt to new polices and processes that have come with new NIH leadership. Under the new structure, the DIR now leads NINR’s research programs with a focused approach on examining the conditions which affect individual’s daily life as they relate to prevention, health disparities, and population and community health. The NINR DIR supports the science of its investigators and their labs, training, and critical services in support of both. Research accomplishments this year included, for example: 1) as part of a collaborative project with NCCIH, has identified potential distinct neural circuits associated with physical fatigue among patients with chronic fatigue; 2) completed more than half of the enrollment of community-based research study focused on examining effects of social isolation on physical and mental health of a senior population; 3) Fellow acceptance into medical school; 4) awarded STRIDES support for cloud computing by ODSS/OD; 5) publication of a myriad of articles including a joint co-authored paper across the labs within NINR (Goto T., Von Ah D, Li X, Xiang L, Kwiat C, Nugyen QC, Hsiao CP, Saligan LN (2024). Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor rs6265 polymorphism is associated with severe cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain in female cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 18, 1851-1869. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-023-01426-w Other accomplishments this year included, for example: 1) Recruitment and onboarded 2 postdocs with another expected in October 2025; 2) Development and expansion of community relationships and partnerships to support DIR research activities; 3) Planning and executing a 1-day AI Boot Camp training to support advancement of technology and big data within NINR and 4) Planning to continue expanding DIR science and training in support of the NINR mission and strategic plan. Critical research activities in support of PI research included, for example: 1) Research nurse support of investigator clinical protocols and data collection (e.g., 2.5 FTEs to PI Saligan; 0.8 FTE to PI Lawal; 2) Clinical operations oversight with activities such as credentialling, supervision, and oversight of training requirements (0.5 FTE); quality assurance activities; and support of research participant engagement (e.g., incentives, travel); 3) Direct support of one staff scientist, one research fellow, and one post-doctoral fellow including research expenses, in addition to activities and functions in support of 6+ trainees, from undergraduate students to research fellows, receiving training within PI labs; 4) Oversight of lab equipment, environment, and safety and direct assistance with laboratory work, as well as support of equipment maintenance, upgrades, and related supplies; 5) Data management assistance (1 FTE); 6) Transition over 1,000 sq ft of wet lab to PI Joseph who has a secondary appointment with NINR); wet lab and research office space; and 7) Activities in support of dissemination of scientific findings and advances through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.