Initiate Research, Opportunities, and Networks for Underrepresented Early Career Investigators (IRON)

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PROJECT SUMMARY This current proposal is in response to NIDDK’s awareness and need for a more diverse workforce to achieve its mission. Hence, early career investigators need the opportunity to gain research knowledge coupled with quality mentorship to assist with the proper application of those skills, resulting in innovative and meaningful research. In addition to providing mentorship on research skills, it is also important to understand the circumstances, as mentioned in the second quote, in which early career investigators have found themselves and work to develop needed soft (non-research) skills. In some cases, mentees may need to unlearn, learn, and relearn certain behaviors and habits to be successful. Taken together, my philosophy as a mentor is to provide experiences for early career investigators, especially from underrepresented groups, that will help them develop into well-rounded individuals who contribute to advancing science as well as be demonstrative of reputable citizens in academe. To achieve this goal, I am committed to the following specific aims: Aim 1: Continue to develop and hone mentoring skills that will equip me to meaningfully contribute to the career development and advancement of underrepresented early-stage investigators. I will participate in mentor focused trainings and workshops offered nationally as well as locally through the University of Kentucky’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UK CCTS). Aim 2: Use funded research to provide opportunities for mentees to gain hands-on experience in community-based research, health inequities, and research addressing social determinants of health that are aligned with NIDDK’s mission as well as develop soft skills necessary to navigate a research career in academe. Funded research aligned with NIDDK’s mission will be utilized to provide teachable moments in research design, responsible conduct of research, data management, team science, and dissemination of research findings. During these interactions, I will work with mentees to identify and cultivate soft skills that need development for future success. Aim 3: Provide training and networking opportunities for mentees. I will utilize resources provided by this grant to identify trainings and workshops that will assist mentees with developing research and leadership skills, attend scientific meetings, and participate in networking events.