Mentoring Clinical Researchers at the Intersection of NeuroHIV and Substance Abuse

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Project Summary This is a renewal application for a K24 Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research to support my ability (1) to attract scientists to patient-oriented research at the intersection of neuroHIV and substance use, (2) to prepare a new crop of investigators to tackle complex research questions that require translational approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration, and (3) to diversify the composition of the scientific workforce in order to increase creativity, insights, and representation of problem-solving approaches. Mentoring and training will be integrally tied to my own research and to the major projects within the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) at the University of California, San Diego, which are rich sources of data, specimens, and research infrastructure. Mentees will also have access to didactics made available by training programs in which I participate, such as the R25 Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship in NeuroAIDS, which I direct, and a T32 program for Training in Research on Addictions in Interdisciplinary NeuroAIDS, where I am a faculty mentor. I plan to involve mentees in developing new research directions in medical applications of cannabinoids for neuroHIV and explore predictors of central nervous system outcomes in Latinos who recover from COVID-19. I will also involve mentees in my continued work on individual differences in vulnerability to CNS dysfunction associated with stimulant use in the context of HIV. I propose additionally to pursue my own professional development to continue to improve my skill set in mentoring trainees from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as to enhance my leadership skills. The superb research environment of the HNRP, along with the larger UCSD HIV and substance use research community, affords excellent opportunities for mentoring and fostering the advancement of early career clinically oriented scientists.