REU Site: Training Diverse Undergraduate Teams of Veterans and Non-Veterans to Conduct Trauma Research with Veterans

智力优势。这个REU网站是锡拉丘兹大学、纽约州立大学奥斯韦戈和纽约州立大学北部医科大学的共同努力，每年为10名学生组成一个结构良好的计划。目标是培训退伍军人和非退伍军人与退伍军人参与者进行创伤相关的研究。 该网站提供了一个在线的2周的方向，以及研究指导和课程在为期4周的暑期研究所由高素质和富有成效的教师，有参与本科生在他们的研究的跟踪记录。除了这些教师导师，来自不同的军事和非军事背景的几个顾问提供了一个新颖的视角组合，以解决多学科的研究问题作为演讲系列的一部分。该项目利用了锡拉丘兹大学、纽约州立大学北部医学中心和纽约州立大学奥斯韦戈的资源，包括研讨室、实验室和住房。关于对项目参与者的影响，我们希望提高学生进行创伤研究的能力，并增加他们进入研究生院的机会。在科学价值方面，多个项目涉及学生并解决重要的研究问题。 目前的兴趣包括旨在更好地了解与各种创伤结果相关的化学，临床，认知和家庭因素的研究。 能够更好地预测创伤后PTSD的发展可以支持预防和治疗PTSD的努力。 此外，我们的社会将受益于更好地了解创伤后应激障碍，因为创伤后应激障碍在美国成年人中的终生患病率相对较高，估计为6.8%。该REU网站通过招募退伍军人（特别是少数民族和妇女，如果可能的话）作为参与者，扩大了代表性不足的群体的参与。我们还为退伍军人提供了一个机会，让他们在安全的环境中重新融入本科研究文化，并提供适当的支持。此外，这种退伍军人参与设计和实施创伤相关的研究与同胞退伍军人构成了一个新的应用“参与式研究”。除了对退伍军人参与者的直接好处外，非退伍军人参与者可以学会欣赏退伍军人参与创伤相关研究的价值，特别是当该研究涉及退伍军人群体时。

Intellectual Merit. This REU site is a joint effort between Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, and SUNY Upstate Medical University and constitutes a well-structured program for a cohort of 10 students each year. The objective is to train veterans and non-veterans to conduct trauma-related research with veteran participants. The site offers an online 2-week orientation as well as research mentoring and coursework during a 4-week summer institute by highly qualified and productive faculty members that have a track record of involving undergraduates in their research. In addition to these faculty mentors, several consultants from various military and non-military backgrounds provide a novel combination of perspectives to address multidisciplinary research questions as part of a speaker series. The program draws on resources including seminar rooms, laboratories, and housing through Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, and SUNY Oswego. With respect to impact on program participants, we expect to increase students' ability to conduct trauma research and increase their chances of admission into graduate school. With respect to scientific merit, multiple projects involve students and address important research questions.Broader Impacts. Current interests include research designed to gain a better understanding of the chemical, clinical, cognitive, and family factors associated with various trauma outcomes. Being able to better predict the development of PTSD following trauma can support efforts at prevention and treatment of PTSD. Moreover, our society would benefit from a better understanding of PTSD since the lifetime prevalence of PTSD among adult Americans is relatively high, estimated at 6.8%. This REU site broadens the participation of underrepresented groups by recruiting veterans (particularly minorities and women, when possible) as participants. We also provide an opportunity for veterans to re-integrate to an undergraduate research culture in a safe environment with appropriate supports. Moreover, this veteran participation in the design and implementation of trauma-related research with fellow veterans constitutes a novel application of "participatory research". Beyond the direct benefit to veteran participants, non-veteran participants can learn to appreciate the value of veteran participation in trauma-related research, particularly when that research involves a veteran population.