CE25-029 - Use of system dynamics modeling and human-centered design to address structural drivers of youth firearm violence

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This proposal for the K01 Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award is intended to support my long-term goal of becoming a trailblazing independent investigator dedicated to transforming outcomes and dismantling inequities in youth violence. To reach this goal, I seek to gain the pivotal knowledge and skills to design and rigorously evaluate community-based interventions to reduce youth violence. Firearm injury is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States, with the burden of these injuries disproportionately born by disadvantaged communities. In this proposal, I seek to address the research priority of youth violence, and specifically firearm injuries, using complex systems science and human-centered design approaches. My central hypothesis is that these tools will allow us to design feasible, acceptable, and effective interventions to reduce youth gun violence. I will pursue the proposed research and career development goals with the following aims: Aim 1. Identify areas of greatest impact for reducing youth firearm violence in Cincinnati using system dynamics modeling. I will use system dynamics modeling and our existing co-produced qualitative map to identify areas within our complex dynamic system where interventions may have the greatest impact on reducing rates of youth firearm violence. I hypothesize that we will identify 1-2 areas ripe for intervention. Aim 2. Co-design an intervention to reduce youth firearm violence in one neighborhood in Cincinnati. I will utilize human-centered design strategies to develop at least one intervention expected to reduce youth violence. I hypothesize that an inclusive community-centered, multidisciplinary team can design a feasible, acceptable, effective intervention targeting upstream structural determinants of youth violence. My training goals for this proposed award are to gain experience in (1) complex systems science methods, (2) human-centered design, and (3) community-engaged participatory research. I seek to position my research and skills at the intersection of these three methodologic approaches. I will use findings and skills gained from this K01 proposal to develop a competitive R21, and subsequently R01, proposal on testing and implementation of the designed intervention. I will complete this proposed work as an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Attending Pediatric Surgeon at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, with significant and enthusiastic support from my divisional and departmental leadership, as well as my proposal mentors.