MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

The continuing spread of HIV among racial/ethnic minority (REM) communities has created a scientific, moral and ethical imperative for the development and testing of effective, culturally-congruent HIV intervention prevention models. In designing such models, there is a need to consider the target community’s unique ethno-cultural factors, as well as co-occurring social and mental health issues specific to the community. To build on the strengths of REM investigators in addressing these issues, the NIMH funded HISTP aims to promote a cadre of REM scientists as principal investigators on extramurally funded studies in the areas of HIV prevention science.  We are pleased with the enthusiastic response of the multidisciplinary Columbia partners collaborating with us.

HISTP is innovative in its focus on studying the best approaches to mentoring REM investigators. As part of the training program, we are scientifically examining the key factors that underlie successful mentorship and training of REM investigators. Another unique aspect is the use of technology, including distance mentoring via a web-based interface, online statistical consultation, and an online prevention and intervention resource library. Over the course of the program, trainees will be exposed to both face-to-face and distance learning.  During the Training Institutes, mentors and trainees will meet to address the best approaches and methodologies to use for mentoring REM scientists.  We see the design of this prototype as a process whereby data will be gathered over time from mentors, trainees, and the scientific advisory board through multiple modalities, including quantitative surveys and documentation on the HISTPcommons.  

On behalf of the Executive Board, I am delighted to welcome all of our trainees, along with their primary mentors. We look forward to working together on this important mission.

2008 TRAINEE COHORT

The HISTP proudly announces the selection of the 2008/2009 trainee cohort. We would like to congratulate and welcome (pictured below, in order from left):

E. Roberto Orellana, MSW, MPH, a research fellow at Columbia University’s Social Intervention Group.  Beginning in fall of 2008, he will be an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Portland State University.  His research experience includes an ethnographic/epidemiologic study of HIV/STI among different indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

Vera Lopez, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the School of Justice & Social Inquiry at Arizona State University. Dr. Lopez received her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Lopez’s ongoing research interests include adolescent delinquency, drug use, and sexual risk taking.

Michele Rountree, Ph.D, a tenure–track Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work.  Dr. Rountree received her doctoral degree from Arizona State University.  Her scholarship focuses on the areas of health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities as they relate to meeting the needs of marginalized populations.

Rosalie Corona, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Research Affiliate of the Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development and the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention. Dr. Corona holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Corona’s research focuses on adolescent health promotion, particularly among Latino and African American youth.

The 2008 cohort began HISTP activities in June 2008.

2007 Trainee Cohort

HISTP is funded through the National Institute of Mental Health through the R25 grant mechanism. The search for the first cohort of trainees was announced in May, 2007 with application processes extending through the summer. The trainees, who have identified mentors at their local institutions, will also be matched with mentors in broader HIV/AIDS research communities to facilitate pilot project development and implementation and grant funding activities. The trainees will attend a week long training institute at Columbia University October 15th – 19th at which time they will present their pilot research proposals, attend multiple workshops, including health disparities research and grant writing, and collaborate with researchers in the New York City area.

For additional information about HISTP, contact Aimee Campbell, Program Coordinator, at 212-851-2417 or histp@columbia.edu.

The program

HISTP is funded through a 3-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to establish a training program aimed at increasing racial and ethnic minority (REM) investigators conducting HIV intervention and HIV-related health disparities research.  HISTP is located at Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW) within the Social Intervention Group (SIG), and will include collaboration with other prominent Columbia Centers, including the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia Center for Homelessness Prevention Studies, and Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning .

In addition to Drs. Nabila El-Bassel and Elwin Wu and colleagues at Columbia University, HISTP is supported by a network of leading HIV scientific advisors and mentors across the country. The advisors and mentors are actively involved in the development of the program and in the direct training and support of the trainees.

REM populations are disproportionately represented amongst those living with HIV/AIDS, yet REM scientists trained as HIV/AIDS researchers are vastly under-represented. HISTP’s mission is to facilitate the growth and development of a cadre of REM scientists who will focus their research on HIV-related health disparities in HIV/AIDS and co-occurring mental health disorders. HISTP promotes REM scientists to increase contributions to the empirical knowledge base on the design of contextually and culturally congruent interventions, through training, mentoring, and networking with a collective of senior REM scientists.

Specifically, four trainees per year will be selected over the next three years to receive intensive and specialized mentorship, including pilot funding and access to a multitude of resources and expert consultation.

Directors

Executive Board

Scientific Advisory Board

Mentor Network

Contact Information:

HIV Intervention Science Training Program

Columbia University

School of Social Work

1255 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10027

histp@columbia.edu

http://histp.ccnmtl.columbia.edu

Program Coordinator

Gina Espinoza

212-851-2108