Latino Scholars in HIV/AIDS Research Education (SHARE)

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Abstract Latinos (used throughout proposal as inclusive of all genders) have become the largest ethnic minority group in the United States but the rapid growth of the Latino US population has yet to translate into a significant increase in Latino researchers and/or health professionals. Through the research workforce diversity objective of the NIH research education program, R25 (PAR-19-197), the Latino-Scholars in HIV/AIDS Research Education (SHARE) Program at The George Washington University, grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory and Intersectionality Framework, seeks to address both the shortage of Latino investigators in the field and to improve the quality of Latino HIV scientists. This objective will be achieved by the following aims: Aim 1. Develop a competency-based approach to mentoring with a triad of integrated mentors (i.e., career, science, and peer) in HIV/SUD (Substance Use Disorder), and assess cognitive-related mediators (i.e., self-efficacy and science identity) of mentoring effectiveness and career success. Aim 2. Implement activities for 30 participants (six undergraduate Latino participants per year over five-year project period) for mentored hands- on research experience (prospective research study or secondary data analysis) on a high-priority focused HIV/SUD research topic (Health inequities, social determinants of health, prevention and care continuum, and comorbidities). Aim 3. Implement activities for educational and professional-career enrichment experiences through didactics and professional-career enrichment seminars. For these program aims, we will evaluate the impact and effectiveness of SHARE Program on outcomes achieved and career trajectories of the participants and disseminate program success. Expected short term outcomes will include promoting development of a cadre of undergraduate Latino students committed to pursuing behavioral, social and health science research careers in HIV/SUD. The long-term outcome and impact of the program aligns with the priority of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)--to increase diversity, in number and quality, of well-trained researchers in the behavioral and social sciences of HIV and SUD, to reduce their societal consequences and improve individual and public health.