Mountain States Advancement in Research, Supportive Networking and Career Development (ASCEND)

The Vision of the Mountain States ASCEND Advancement in Research, Supportive Networking, and Career Development Program is to develop future academic leaders in kidney, urology, and hematology (KUH). This new application maps our path forward to create an innovative, comprehensive training program stressing translational multi-institutional science, alliances between MDs and PhDs, and incorporation of the newest scientific platforms and didactic training. ASCEND will capitalize on the interdisciplinary research communities at the University of Colorado (CU) and the University of Utah (UU) to carry out this mission. CU and UU are the premier research institutions in the Mountain West, a large geographic area currently lacking U2C/TL1 programs. ASCEND will be led by an interdisciplinary group with basic, translational, and clinical expertise: Dr. Michel Chonchol (CU Nephrology, Contact PI), Dr. Anna Malykhina (CU Urology), and Dr. Anna Beaudin (UU Hematology). To achieve our mission of recruiting, developing, and retaining KUH investigators we will apply the following: 1) Create a continuous pathway for forming strategic partnerships to achieve continuity of support for KUH trainees throughout all stages of career development; 2) Expand meaningful research opportunities to support identity formation as a KUH investigator and provide motivation to pursue and persist in KUH careers; 3) Foster effective mentorship and peer support to maintain integration into the KUH culture; 4) Advocate for supportive environments to diminish “pull” factors drawing people away from KUH careers; and 5) Support program evaluation, with a focus on longitudinal outcomes to guide and revise training efforts. We propose the following aims: Aim 1 will develop a rigorous, integrated, mentored cross-disciplinary training program (TL1 Training Core). Trainees will participate in structured, comprehensive, and specialized mentored research training that is personalized and based on the needs of the learner. Aim 2 will develop a structured professional and individualized development program that provides support and opportunities for professional career development to enhance skill development, career satisfaction, and planning (Professional Development Core). We will promote trainee engagement in their career development. All mentors will undergo comprehensive and structured mentorship training to equip them with the tools to be effective. Aim 3 will create the ASCEND Network to provide trainees with access to purposeful networking, successful role models, and peer trainees, and integration into the local and national KUH community (Network Core). ASCEND will create an inspiring online and in-person research community in which KUH trainees can exchange ideas, innovations, and scientific expertise with peers, mentors, and alumni. Ultimately, the ASCEND mission is to support, connect, and train the next generation of KUH researchers. By creating a climate for team-oriented science and integrated networks of support, we will create the training program and environment necessary for trainees to progress successfully and efficiently as KUH investigators. .