Duke-N.C. Central Alcohol Research & Education (D-CARE)

It has been shown that student participation in research opportunities in STEM has increased the probability of pursuing a PhD and alcohol misuse among undergraduate students is a significant public health issue. Thus, it is important to involve undergraduate students in alcohol research to not only foster their skills and career exploration but to also contribute to the broader efforts in addressing this public health challenge at undergraduate institutions. To capitalize on an established partnership between Duke University (a private, R1 university) and North Carolina Central University (NCCU; a public HBCU), a program entitled Duke-N.C. Central Alcohol Research & Education (D-CARE) was created to provide educational opportunities, research training, and intensive mentoring for undergraduate students from both institutions. D-CARE will: 1) Focus entirely on undergraduates; 2) Pair laboratories and academic courses from Duke and NCCU to provide innovative alcohol-related academic and research opportunities to students from both institutions; and 3) Provide a wide range of professional development opportunities and track the progress of participants as they complete their undergraduate training and move forward into graduate or professional education. A primary goal of the program will be for students from each institution to study and train with students from the other, thereby leveraging the distinct strengths of each university. Aim 1 will promote in-depth understanding of the biomedical, public health, social and cultural impacts of alcohol through didactic training, and engagement with the Research Triangle alcohol research community by providing a semester-long course focused on alcohol and its various biological, clinical, and social impacts. This Aim will also establish a rich professional network through which D-CARE participants will acquire specific skills and guidance toward careers related to alcohol research. Aim 2 will provide an immersive summer alcohol research experience in Duke and NCCU laboratories that includes personalized research mentoring, and both group and individualized professional development education. Aim 3 will provide continuing professional development and mentoring opportunities for participants, and an empirical evaluation component to document participants' progress toward career goals and track their progress beyond their undergraduate experience. The program will continue to support participants by providing monthly meetings with program mentors throughout the following academic year. In addition, meetings and resources will be provided to support students' specific research endeavors including advice on written and oral communication, preparatory advice and support for attending scientific conferences, graduate school/employment applications, and evolving career development considerations. Ultimately, the D-CARE program aims to increase the participation of undergraduate students pursuing alcohol-related research careers.