Developing an Inclusive Generation of HIV Researchers Through Diversity and Community

Authors

Justino J. Flores, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Shihui Huang, Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC.
Simone Sawyer, Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Miracle Thomas, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC.
Luz Venegas, Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Mark W. Burke, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC.
Kim M. Blankenship, Department of Sociology, American University, Washington, DC; and.
Anthony K. Wutoh, Office of the Provost, Howard University, Washington, DC.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Journal

Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999)

Volume

94

Issue

2S

DOI

10.1097/QAI.0000000000003252

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The DC Center for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI) is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) students engaged in HIV research by providing an opportunity to participate in research and developing a sense of self-efficacy and community. SETTING: Currently in its second year, the program provides high school (HS) and undergraduate (UG) URM students (CFAR scholars) HIV mentored-research opportunities, and a range of professional development, outreach, and volunteer opportunities meant to build a sense of community and promote self-efficacy. A near-peer mentoring program, led by graduate students leads (GSL), was added in the second year to enhance community building. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive evaluation of the program using both individual surveys distributed to program participants and a series of focus groups conducted with current HS and UG scholars, and GSL. RESULTS: Based on initial evaluation results, this program was able to recruit a diverse group of scholars who have persisted in mentored HIV research, increased interests in pursuing careers in HIV research and care, developed research competencies, and increased confidence and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Our long-term goal is to build on this program by annually recruiting new cohorts, providing multiyear support to UG scholars, and developing additional evaluation tools to measure program impacts on the career trajectories of program participants, and identify program characteristics associated with those impacts.

APA Citation

Flores, Justino J.; Huang, Shihui; Sawyer, Simone; Thomas, Miracle; Venegas, Luz; Burke, Mark W.; Blankenship, Kim M.; and Wutoh, Anthony K., "Developing an Inclusive Generation of HIV Researchers Through Diversity and Community" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 3692.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/3692

Department

Public Health Student Works