Supporting Graduate Education and Careers in Behavioral and Social Science Research on Mental Health and HIV for Undergraduates: The Student Opportunities for AIDS/HIV Research Program

Certain groups in the United States face a combination of structural and behavioral challenges that can affect engagement with HIV prevention and treatment. Therefore, the next generation of HIV researchers must have a strong foundation in the behavioral and scientific factors that influence HIV-related outcomes. These researchers must also develop interdisciplinary research skills and hands-on experience to generate practical, high-impact strategies for addressing the ongoing challenges in HIV science. The Student Opportunities for AIDS/HIV Research program (hereafter referred to as the program) is a proposed multi-component, two-year research-intensive initiative for undergraduate students at the University of Michigan. By introducing students early in their academic careers to HIV-focused research, particularly aspects related to public health and behavioral science, SOAR aims to expand the number of qualified researchers positioned to pursue doctoral training and independent research careers. SOAR is grounded in the expanded Social Cognitive Career Theory; is informed by successful elements of the U.S. Department of Education-funded Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program; and integrates best practices from the evidence-based mentoring and research education curricula Entering Mentoring and Entering Research. It involves structured faculty-mentored research, academic support, and skills development activities over the course of students’ junior and senior years. This program is a collaborative effort involving four research-intensive schools and colleges at the University of Michigan: the School of Public Health, the School of Nursing, the School of Social Work, and the College of Literature, Science & the Arts. Four cohorts of 10 students each will complete the program, totaling 40 graduates. The program was designed to advance the priorities of the FY 2021–2025 NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, the NIMH Division of AIDS Research Priority Areas, and Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America. The Specific Aims are as follows: Aim 1: To fully develop and deliver a multi-component theory-based HIV research education mentoring program for undergraduate students who will participate in two consecutive years of faculty-mentored research experiences and other evidence-based programs and activities during their junior and senior years; Aim 2: To guide undergraduate students into career trajectories as independent researchers in the mental health of HIV/AIDS; Aim 3: To provide evidence-based mentoring training and support for faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. All activities are designed to support student achievement, academic progression, and graduate readiness in full accordance with Executive Order 14151 and associated agency guidance.