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​University launches international research opportunity for minority students

Grant allows six undergraduate, two graduate minority student to study abroad

The newly-established Minority Health International Research Training program will afford underrepresented students additional opportunities in cutting-edge global health research. A five-year, $1.25 million grant from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities helped launch the program.

The Institute asked that the grant stipulate a training program for minorities and first-generation college students and the University Center for Global Health was tasked with developing program logistics.

The new research opportunity will offer six undergraduate students and two graduate students the chance to participate in mentored, 10-week research experience next academic year, which would cover topics ranging from HIV management to water-borne disease prevention. If selected, students will be able to travel to countries like South Africa, Uganda or St. Kitts and Nevis.

Participants will present their research in next October at the center's Student Research Symposium.

The program will accept applications from underrepresented minorities — namely ethnic minorities, students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and students from rural areas.

According to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, 59 percent of white college students studied abroad during the 2011-12 school year. Many minority groups — including Asian, African American, Latin American or Hispanic and multiracial students — each saw fewer than 15 percent of students study abroad.

“One of the challenges in global health research is that it is an opportunity that can seem daunting from a financial perspective and the experience of travelling,” said Rebecca Dillingham, the principal investigator for the program and Center for Global Health director. Dillingham said she is excited to help students who are not traditionally involved in international research.

“The program will provide us with an incredible opportunity to collaborate across schools, disciplines and national boundaries to implement a training program that centers on innovative, rigorous, mentored research projects that address rural health issues,” Dillingham said.

Public health sciences Prof. Jeanita Richardson and Nursing Prof. Susan Kools will be the program’s directors.

Applications are available through the Center for Global Health website, and will be chosen on the basis of academic record and expressed interest in the program. Dillingham said students do not need prior research training, and that many disciplines can address issues of global health, including economics and engineering.

“This is just the type of thing a public university should be aspiring to — providing opportunities for students of merit to learn how to do cutting-edge global health research,” said Jeffrey Legro, vice provost for global affairs, in a press release.

The deadline for application is Jan. 16., though students are encouraged to apply early.

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