Dr. Tamara Taggart, New Associate Director, Social and Behavioral Sciences Core | |
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The DC CFAR is proud to announce Dr. Tamara Taggart as Associate Director of the DC CFAR Social and Behavioral Sciences Core. The Associate Core Director program was established several years ago as a pathway initiative to help prepare the next generation of DC-based HIV investigators for leadership positions in the DC CFAR.
Dr. Taggart is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She received an AB from Dartmouth College, an MPH from Columbia University, a PhD in Health Behavior from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. She was a previous recipient of a DC CFAR Pilot Award and an Academic-Community Partnership Award.
Currently Dr. Taggart is MPI on an R01 (with Dr. Nisha Gottfredson) entitled "Measuring the impact of structural racism and discrimination during adolescence on substance use, psychological distress, and criminal justice outcomes in adulthood," and MPI (with Dr. Jonathon Rendina) on a UG3 LITE-2 award entitled "Multilevel strategies to understand and modify the role of structural and environmental context on HIV inequities for sexual and gender minorities of color." She has published >50 peer-review publications including 23 as first or senior author.
We are grateful to Dr. Taggart for joining the SBS Core leadership. She brings scientific rigor, innovation and a community-based approach that is critically needed as we focus on making visible both social-structural constraints and community strengths to reduce HIV and related health inequities.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Taggart on her new role in the DC CFAR.
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New Publication by DC CFAR Investigators at GW and UHU, on PrEP services for Black Adults in DC | |
A new publication entitled "Adapting a community-based intervention to address social determinants of health influencing pre-exposure prophylaxis services for Black adults in Washington, District of Columbia: A study protocol" by Donaldson F. Conserve, Waimar Tun, DeMarc A. Hickson, Jennifer Gomez BerrospiI, Samuel Janson, Bukola RinolaI, Mallory Durkin, Christian Buchanan, Christian Morris, Alia Saleeban, Kelia Olughu, Julie Pulerwitz, and Deanna Kerrigan, was recently published in the journal, PLoS One (bold denotes DC CFAR affiliation). The publication includes DC CFAR Investigators from partner institutions including George Washington University, Population Council, and Us Helping Us, People into Living.
Christian Morris is on the DC CFAR Community Partnership Council (CPC) and a Research Coordinator at UHU. Julie Pulerwitz has dual appointments with the Pop Council and GW. Bukola Rinola is a CDEIPI Scholar in the local DC CDEIPI Program.
Read the full publication here.
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Dr. Marjorie Gondré-Lewis (HU) featured in Neuron for Q&A on Research and Career Trajectory | |
Dr. Majorie Gondré-Lewis (HU) was recently interviewed and featured in the Journal, Neuron, where she discusses disparities in treatment and health care for the underserved, the experiences of navigating with certain identities, mentorship, and the future of science. Neuron stated the following regarding the interview:
"In a conversation with Marjorie C.Gondré-Lewis on her career journey and current research on mental health and substance use disorders, she shares thoughts on current challenges and opportunities in neuroscience. She provides a perspective on conducting research with an equity lens and on navigating academia as an African American woman and mentor."
Join us in congratulating Dr. Gondré-Lewis, and read the full interview here.
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DC CFAR Community Partners and Researchers lead "DC Community Conversation" at the 14th International Workshop on HIV & Aging | |
The 14th International Workshop on HIV & Aging was held on October 26-27 2023 and featured a community conversation featuring researchers and community members from the DC CFAR and its Aging and Comorbidities Scientific Interest Group.
Members from the CPC include Moises Agosto Rosario (NMAC), Martha Sichone-Cameron (ICW-NA), Wallace Corbett, and CPC Chair George Kerr III. In addition, Dr. Marjorie Gondre-Lewis (HU) provided a presentation on HIV and aging research she coordinates and conducts to update the community.
This session was also sponsored by the Women's Collective, Whitman Walker, NMAC, and Us Helping Us.
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Flow Cytometry Lab, Virtual Seminar, Nov 13 at 1:00 pm (Zoom) | |
The Flow Cytometry Lab at the George Washington University is having a free, virtual seminar on "High Parameter Analysis in FlowJoTM Software," via Zoom at 1:00PM EST. The presentation by Veronica Obregon-Perko, PhD (FlowJo Application Scientist), will cover, "the suite of tools in FlowJoTM that enable computational discovery in high parameter data sets, including tSNE, UMAP, FlowSOM, and more!"
Register for the seminar here.
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CFAR AFRICURE RFA Released: Call for Applicants by November 10th, 2023 |  | |
Through the CFAR Africure Program, the NIH-funded Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs) are working to advance HIV Cure research in Africa by providing mentored development to early- and mid-career investigators whose research focuses on HIV Cure strategies.
The AFRICURE program will award five grants of $150,000 for one year, plus applicable indirect costs. Recipients of the awards will be
mentored by and collaborate with established HIV investigators across CFARs and affiliated institutions in Africa, with the goal of having a transformational impact on the careers of African investigators, their institutions, and the entire HIV cure enterprise. Africure projects are single Principal Investigator (PI) awards. CFAR Africure awards are funded for a one-year period.
CFAR Africure projects are selected through a two-stage process:
- Submitted concept proposals are competitively reviewed
- Concept Proposal due: November 10, 2023
- Notification of Outcome: November 27, 2023
- A subset of reviewed concept proposals is invited to submit full applications
For more information on how to apply, and eligibility criteria, click here.
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Mid-Atlantic CFAR Consortium (MACC) Scholars Program Cohort 3 (2024 – 2025) RFA Now Available! Applications due by December 15, 2023 |  | |
The Mid-Atlantic Centers for AIDS Research Consortium (MACC) Scholars Program is excited to announce this invitation to apply to be a MACC Scholar in the third cohort of early stage career investigators. The MACC Scholars Program is a collaboration between the District of Columbia (DC) CFAR, the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) CFAR, and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) CFAR.
The goal of the MACC Scholars Program is to support the development of new investigators with an interest in HIV among diverse populations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and to encourage their development as independent HIV investigators.
Up to $20,000 total costs can be used to implement a new pilot research project of which up to $5,000 can be used to enhance professional opportunities. This can include up to 10% faculty time if coverage is required to conduct the pilot, funds to conduct the study, attend conferences, receive leadership or scientific training, travel to other CFARs, or other costs as justified by the applicant. All Scholars will receive professional mentorship from MACC Scholar faculty at each of the collaborating CFARs and the opportunity to network with CFAR membership as they build their careers.
Please view the full RFA linked here.
Please address questions to Dr. Manya Magnus, at manyadm@gwu.edu
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Do you have an event you would like to see included in the next edition of the Community Spotlight? We invite any news or updates from the DC CFAR community and encourage you to send information that may be of interest to CFARinDC@gmail.com. | |
FUNDING, TRAINING, & MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES/SEMINARS | |
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NEW – DC CFAR Virtual Writing Retreat (Every 3rd Friday of the Month, 12-2:00PM EST via Zoom); Next Virtual Retreat will be on November 17, 2023
"Whether a report, journal article, grant application, or other document, we often struggle with carving out space in our busy calendars for uninterrupted work. Bring a writing project and join us monthly! Have questions? Reach out to Wendy Davis (wendywdavis@gwu.edu) or Allison O’Rourke (orourkea@gwu.edu)" Register here to receive Zoom information.
NEW – HPTN Scholars Program (2024-2025 Cohort)
"The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is proud to offer two scholarship programs for early-career investigators funded through a supplement from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The HPTN Scholars Program now includes two components: a domestic (U.S.) program and an international program. Both programs seek to increase opportunities for scientists from groups under-represented in HIV prevention research." More information available here.
NEW – HIV Vaccine Trials Network: Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP)
"Seeking African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islander medical students interested in HIV vaccine research. The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) is now accepting applications for Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP) Scholar Grants to attract Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) medical students who want to make a difference in their communities and contribute to the development of an effective HIV vaccine." Applications due January 2, 2024. See more information here.
HIV Prevention Research Seminar with Drs. Maria Pyra and Jade Pagkas-Bather
On November 13th, at 12pm EST, "[at] this Third Coast CFAR seminar, Maria Pyra, PhD, MPH, of Northwestern University, and Jade Pagkas-Bather, MD, of University of Chicago, will present findings from their CFAR pilot awards. Pyra will present "Persistence, Risk, and Decision-Making Among a PrEP Using Cohort: A Mixed-Methods Study” and Pagkas-Bather will present "Examining Preferred ARV Implementation Strategies Among Young Black MSM: A Multilevel Approach." Zoom registration here.
AVAC: HPTN 096: Building Equity Through Advocacy – An Integrated, Status-Neutral Approach for Ending the Epidemic Among Black Gay Men in the South
"Please join The Choice Agenda and partners on November 15 for a fascinating discussion about a novel, much-needed HIV prevention research study – HPTN 096. Currently in the field, the study addresses social, structural, institutional, and behavioral barriers to HIV prevention and care."
Register here.
ADVANCE Predoctoral T32 Training Program to Promote Diversity in Health Disparities Research, Preventive Interventions, and Methodology (T32, Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) and participating Institutes, Centers, and Offices are inviting applications to develop T32 programs to train predoctoral scholars from diverse backgrounds in all three of the following areas: Health disparities/health equity research, Development and implementation of multi-level preventive interventions, and Methods for the design and analysis of studies to evaluate multi-level preventive interventions. See full announcement here.
Post-Doctoral (T32) Training Program in Ending the HIV Epidemic – Application Open at Emory University
Emory Training Program in Translational Research to End the HIV Epidemic is now accepting applications to fill postdoctoral slots for January and July 2024. The program will offer a continuous rolling application and deadlines will vary depending on the intended start date. More information here.
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES, NEWS, AND RESOURCES
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NEW – DC Government Hiring Fair: Looking for a CHW and Nurse (Hiring Fair on Nov. 9, 2023).
Community Health Worker/Public Health Advisor: "This is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Community Health Worker who will be placed 100% off-site at a HIV agency (Nova Salud) in Falls Church. This is a direct service position, working with people living with HIV in the Latino community."
Clinical Nurse: "This position will be placed 100% off-site at MedStar Hospital in DC. This position will provide direct clinical services to people living with HIV and lost to care. Services will primarily be conducted in the client's home." Registration Link for hiring fair (vacancies are under agency, DC Health): https://dchr.dc.gov/node/1683576
NEW – Fall/Winter 2023 DC Cohort Newsletter, Now Available
The DC Cohort team is pleased to share their Fall/Winter 2023 DC Cohort newsletter. In this edition, they highlighted the research of Maria Jaurretche, a former DC Cohort Senior Research Associate and now an Epidemiologist with DC Health's HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), and her work on the various stages of the HIV care continuum among DC Cohort participants. In addition, they highlighted the research of Rachel Harp, a master of public health (MPH) graduate from George Washington University, and her work on housing stability and HIV outcomes in Washington, DC. They also outlined planned initiatives for the next five years and provided information on their PositiveLinks and Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) sub-studies. To read the Fall/Winter 2023 edition of the DC Cohort newsletter, click here. To learn more about the DC Cohort study, click here.
Program Manager Position at Massachusetts General Hospital
"A clinical investigator within the Division of General Internal Medicine seeks a part-time
Program Manager (20 hrs. per week) to direct and oversee the work of a major NIH funded
clinical trial aimed at overcoming health disparities in Latinos with HIV through an innovative
psychosocial intervention. The PM will work directly with the PI (Julie Levison, MD)."
Full description and criteria here.
37th Annual Walk to End HIV! December 2nd at Anacostia Park
"The Walk to End HIV is more than just a fundraiser at Whitman-Walker. The Walk symbolizes our continued efforts to find a cure for HIV and to stop the stigma surrounding HIV. This fight will take the entire community's support and commitment." Register Here.
American University, School of International Service, hiring Departmental Managers
"We are looking for strategic thinkers who can develop, manage, and implement administrative and operational policies, while helping to guide decision-making and goal-setting for our five new departments. BA degree + 3-5 years of relevant experience required."
Hablamos de TI Study (Now Recruiting Providers and Patient Interviews)
Owen Smith, RN PhD Candidate from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is recruiting medical/psychosocial service providers working with Latino immigrant men living with HIV (LIMWH) and LIMWH themselves to participate in his dissertation study: Hablemos de TI. The Hablemos de TI study is focused on understanding the perspectives of LIMWH regarding their experiences with interpersonal trauma, emotional support, and engagement in HIV care. Interviews with providers and LIMWH will be conducted in either Spanish or English, will last approximately 1 hour, and can be conducted by phone or Zoom. Participants will be compensated for their time with a gift card. Interested providers can fill out the interest survey at: https://redcap.link/cv4nvocz . Interest survey link (in Spanish) to be shared with LIMWH clients: https://redcap.link/hkscgs1d For more information, contact, Owen Smith at: osmith7@jhmi.edu.
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NIH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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NEW – Engineering and Preclinical Development of Biological Products that Eliminate HIV-infected Cells (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-AI-23-060
Posting Date: October 25, 2023
Opening Date: February 13, 2024
Close Date: March 14, 2024
Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI): Epidemiologic, Behavioral, and Implementation Science Research in Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities Disproportionately Affected by HIV and Build Research Capacity Among Historically Underrepresented Researchers
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-PS-24-063
Posting Date: Oct 11, 2023
Opening Date: Nov 15, 2023
Close Date: Jan 16, 2024
Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-112
Posting Date: January 31, 2023
Opening Date: February 24, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Engaging Survivors of Sexual Violence and Trafficking in HIV and Substance Use Disorder Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-018
Posting Date: August 21, 2023
Opening Date: July 5, 2024
Close Date: August 2024
Addressing HIV in Highest Risk Sexual and Gender Minorities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-001
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
Addressing HIV in highest risk sexual and gender minorities (R34 Clinical Trial Required)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-OD-23-018
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
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NEW – NIAID Research Education Program Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-282
Posting Date: November 03, 2023
Opening Date: December 26, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Opportunities for HIV Cure Strategies at the Time of ART Initiation (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-297
Posting Date: September 19, 2023
Opening Date: December 7, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Opportunities for HIV Cure Strategies at the Time of ART Initiation (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-296
Posting Date: September 19, 2023
Opening Date: December 7, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Innovations to Optimize HIV Prevention and Care Continuum Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-061
Posting Date: January 11, 2023
Opening Date: April 09, 2023
Close Date: January 10, 2026
Formative and Pilot Intervention Research to Optimize HIV Prevention and Care Continuum Outcomes (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-060
Posting Date: January 11, 2023
Opening Date: April 09, 2023
Close Date: January 10, 2026
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Implementation Science to Advance the United States HIV Prevention and Treatment Goals and the Global HIV Prevention and Treatment Targets
Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-MH-23-275
Posting Date: June 5, 2023
Opening Date: September 07, 2023
Close Date: September 08, 2026
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Research on HIV-associated Malignancies
Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-CA-23-070
Posting Date: June 5, 2023
Opening Date: September 07, 2023
Close Date: September 08, 2026
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Click here for additional funding opportunities available from the National Institutes of Health. | |
The DC CFAR is an NIH funded program (P30AI117970), which is supported by the following NIH Co-Funding and Participating Institutes and Centers: NIAID, NCI, NICHD, NIDCR, NHLBI, NIDA, NIMH, NIA, NIDDK, NINR, NIMHD, FIC, and OAR. The content isthe responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. | | |
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