STRIVE

Dr. Herman Fennell (Hampton University) in UVA’s Wang lab.

The Short-Term Research Initiative for Visiting Educators (STRIVE) is designed as a mutually beneficial opportunity for faculty from minority-serving institutions to partner with UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center members to pursue research opportunities. This summer program presents the unique opportunity for visiting faculty to carry out original research on questions related to their own interests and those of their hosting faculty during a 4-6 week, on-site program. Not only do these experiences provide a path for future collaborations, but the data generated by the visiting faculty can be used at their home institutions to inform and excite their students about population, clinical, translational, and/or basic cancer research.

In addition to performing research, visiting faculty also participate in a weekly dialogue with UVA trainees and faculty to share insights and experiences in career and professional development, research, teaching, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

This year, visiting faculty will have the opportunity to nominate students from their home institution for a ten-week research internship at UVA. More information is available on the DiCR Program webpage.

2023 STRIVE participant Dr. Cimona Hinton (Clark Atlanta University) working with Dr. Kevin Janes (UVA).

Past institutional collaborators:

• Hampton University (Hampton, VA)
• Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)
• Virginia State University (Ettrick, VA)
• Lemoyne-Owen College (Memphis, TN)
• Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL)
• Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL)

Feedback from STRIVE visiting faculty:

“The impact of the program on me went beyond my expectations, as not only was I able to complete expected goals, but I was able to generate new directions for my research.”

“[STRIVE] has shaped my work for the type of training research grants I will be applying for along with our [own] School of Science faculty. The work being done in the lab was truly significant.”

Drs. Mohammed Noufal (Hampton University, left) and Alexander Klibanov (UVA, right) comparing samples.

Those who hold a PhD (or equivalent) and a faculty position at a minority-serving institution are invited to apply to participate in the 4-6 week on-site STRIVE program at the University of Virginia. A $1,000 weekly stipend, lodging and some travel expenses are included upon selection into the program.

Interested individuals should contact Associate Director for Education Dr. Lucy Pemberton lfp2n@virginia.edu prior to applying.

Please contact Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Marquita Taylor at ksm3rt@uvahealth.org with any general questions.

Timeline:

• Applications are open on a rolling basis. Please contact Dr. Lucy Pemberton if interested.
• February 1 – March 30: Placements
• June 1 – August 15: On-site program over 4-6 week period mutually agreed upon by visiting faculty and UVA host

Online application includes:

• Current biosketch or CV
• 1-page Statement of Research Interest
• Impact Statement (1 page or less)