Enhancing Career Development of HBCU Biomedical Researchers: Dr. Cadavious Jones Selected for Prestigious Training Program

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Cadavious Jones of Alabama State University has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the career development of biomedical researchers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative, funded by the NIH/NIGMS-U01 Diversity Program Consortium Dissemination and Translation Award, represents a collaborative effort between Savannah State University, Albany State University, and Alabama State University.

About the Program

The program, titled "Enhancing Career Development of HBCU Biomedical Researchers: Extended Training in Grantsmanship and Mentoring," is a three-year training experiment. It engages 54 faculty participants, divided into three cohorts of 18, from full-time faculty members at the participating institutions who are interested in pursuing biomedical or behavioral research.

Building on evidence-based best practices, including the University of North Texas Health Science Center's National Research Mentoring Network Steps Toward Academic Research (NRMN-STAR) Program, this initiative combines grant-writing and mentoring interventions. The goal is to increase persistence, engagement, and scientific productivity among faculty at HBCUs, addressing the unique challenges they face compared to their counterparts at majority institutions.

Specific Aims and Approach

The program has three specific aims:

1. Determine the effects of short-term vs. sustained grantsmanship and career development activities on the engagement, skills, knowledge, and competencies of faculty at HBCUs.

2. Determine the role of short-term vs. sustained mentor training and networking on the quality of mentorship at participating HBCUs.

3. Assess the effects of immediate post-intervention engagement and success of faculty on long-term engagement and success in grantsmanship and mentoring.

Participants are selected and assigned randomly to either a high-touch or low-touch group. The high-touch group receives intensive mentoring and networking workshops conducted by the NRMN, along with sustained interventions such as mentor training, grantsmanship, peer-mentoring, and coaching. The low-touch group participates in short-term mentoring and networking programs.

Impact and Expectations

This innovative program aims to develop a predictive model that can be applied to enhance the persistence and career development of faculty not only at HBCUs but also at majority institutions. By increasing research productivity and career success among HBCU faculty, the program hopes to address longstanding disparities in academic and research opportunities.

Conclusion

Dr. Cadavious Jones' selection for this prestigious program is a testament to his dedication to advancing biomedical research and mentoring at Alabama State University. His participation will not only further his professional development but also contribute to the broader goal of empowering faculty at HBCUs to excel in their research and academic careers.

Stay tuned for updates on Dr. Jones' journey and the progress of this transformative program!