Promoting Academic Workforce Diversity in Translational Behavioral & Cardio-Metabolic Research (PINNACLE)

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Project Summary: The T32 program ‘Promoting Academic Workforce Diversity in Translational Behavioral & Cardio-Metabolic Research (PINNACLE)’ at the University of Miami (UM) leverages our experience directing several URM- focused training programs over the past 15 years. The program provides an innovative, theory-based mentored learning experience anchored in an environment of inclusive excellence to promote academic careers of URM postdoctoral mentees. Its programmatic components are informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, and the Ibarra-Thomas Theory. During the two academic years, mentees will receive didactic training in cardio-metabolic, behavioral, and digital health sciences by attending structured courses and workshops at the CTSI’s MS in Clinical Translational Investigation and the NHLBI-funded PRIDE Institute. Consistent with recommendations of the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education, scholars will participate in individualized and group learning exercises to improve skills in critical thinking, verbal and written communication, time management and other soft skills necessary for academic advancement. They will be mentored while implementing their IDP, including acquisition of professional and lab-based research skills, peer networking, and grant writing. We will implement and evaluate the program for 5 years and track mentees’ achievements for 10 years post completion. Specific outcomes will include number of: 1) peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations; 2) leadership positions, retention and promotion; 3) awards; and 4) federal and non-federal grants. We will also evaluate mentees’ characteristics (self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and resilience) that predict academic success pre and post matriculation. The specific program aims are: 1) To select qualified postdoctoral URM mentees (e.g., PhD, MD, or MD/PhD) with great potential to become innovative and creative leaders in the scientific community, applying translational behavioral models to study and reduce risk of cardio-metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea); 2) To increase mentees’ academic self-efficacy to pursue independent research in translational behavioral cardio-metabolic health. This intensive 2-year program provides exposure to multidisciplinary research methods and digital health technologies utilized to study cardio-metabolic diseases and exposure to instructions to enhance leadership and career development skills; 3) To provide coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship to URM scientists to facilitate entry in academia and transition as independent researchers. PINNACLE will address a critical deficiency in the academic workforce by mentoring a total of 12 URM postdoctoral mentees to pursue careers in translational behavioral and cardio-metabolic research. This will have a strong impact in achieving Healthy People 2030 goal to diversify the academic workforce, thus expanding the capacity to implement translational behavioral models to improve health equity.