T32 Predoctoral Diversity Supplement for Victoria Behm

Building on a strong training record, this T32 competitive renewal application (in response to PA-20-142) requests support for years 16–20 of the UNC Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (CIH) Research Training Program. The program aims to continue preparing promising predoctoral and postdoctoral investigators in rigorous research methodology to support successful academic careers in CIH. The goal is to develop independent, productive researchers who will lead studies on the efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms, and clinical integration of CIH approaches. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, drawing on different methodologies and faculty expertise, and focuses on mind-body practices and natural product- based therapies for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, chronic pain, and other high-impact health concerns. A central aim is to expand access to evidence-informed CIH care and improve population health outcomes. The Fellowship offers a structured curriculum that includes: (1) postdoctoral positions with 2–3 years of advanced training in research methods, mentoring, and biostatistics; (2) predoctoral positions for students from public health, nursing, and related fields, selected for their interest in CIH research and matched with faculty mentors; (3) mentored, hands-on experience in funded CIH-related research projects; (4) coursework on the principles and practices of various CIH approaches and models of integrative care; (5) interdisciplinary engagement with fellows and faculty from varied backgrounds to foster collaborative learning and broaden research perspectives; (6) skill-building in scientific writing, presentation, and critical analysis; and (7) training in academic competencies such as grant writing, teaching, and dissemination. Key program elements include: (1) targeted recruitment of multidisciplinary postdoctoral trainees from both conventional and CIH backgrounds; (2) recruitment of highly motivated predoctoral students, closely matched with experienced CIH research mentors; (3) early and sustained engagement with research and career mentors; (4) a weekly CIH Fellows Core Seminar (1.5 hours), co-led by faculty and senior postdocs, to promote productivity and collaboration; (5) educational enrichment through a CIH practitioner lecture series and exposure to clinical settings; and (6) strategic use of UNC’s robust training infrastructure in biostatistics, clinical, and health services research. Trainees receive guidance in study design, implementation, data analysis, presentation, research ethics, teamwork, and career development.