Research Experience and Training Coordination Core

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SUMMARY Interdisciplinary research training is a vital component to the development of the next generation of environmental health science professionals. The Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC) of the UNM METALS Center has been established to coordinate graduate and postdoctoral level cross-disciplinary research experiences and training in fields related to biomedical research and environmental science and engineering research. The RETCC is designed to address gaps in the interdisciplinary training experiences of the various academic departments at UNM, to give our trainees broader perspectives of their work in the context of our regional environmental health issues. Among the major activities for our program, we include a cultural sensitivity workshop to help guide our trainees as they conduct research in Native American communities. We have provided both practical research experiences/opportunities on tribal lands as well as provided experiences in written and oral research communication with our regional communities. In the next phase of our METALS Superfund program, we will further expand on initiatives developed in the first phase. Beyond our workshops and journal clubs, we will also promote tailored curricula development, innovative, cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional laboratory experiences, engagement in seminar series, workshops/ conferences related to professional development, and of course travel to scientific meetings. The UNM METALS program represents a vital resource in this regard, as our efforts already bring together trainees from diverse academic foci to execute interdisciplinary research. The next phase of the RETCC will forward the following specific aims: Specific Aim 1. Organize educational programs to promote effective research with indigenous communities. As a crucial aspect of scientific training in the UNM METALS Superfund Center, trainees have the opportunity to learn cultural sensitivity, advanced scientific communication modalities, and different approaches for effectively engaging communities, leadership, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in environmental health research. Specific Aim 2. Provide interdisciplinary research education to span the gaps between vital academic disciplines to enhance environmental health research. Specific Aim 3. Promote the career development of a next generation of environmental health researchers. Through coordinated scientific exchange with other Superfund Centers, grantsmanship training, attendance at regional, national, and international conferences, and nontraditional experiential training we will ensure that the UNM METALS trainees have exceptional long-term career opportunities in the field of environmental health research. Specific Aim 4. Provide all METALS members – trainees and faculty – access to resources to ensure quality scientific mentoring and career development tools. Specific Aim 5. Implement a comprehensive evaluation process with formative and summative components for assessment of UNM METALS trainees, their mentors, and the overall RETCC program.