Posted on September 1, 2021 by Amanda Cerreto
September 2, 2021 - HCaP faculty typically works on recruiting participants for their studies that aim to solve complex social issues and improve the well-being of communities, but sometimes they are also research participants. Assistant Professor of Social Work Jelena Todić and Professor of Public Health, Meizi He , have been accepted into the University of Utah Grant Writing Coaching Groups Study as a dyad. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - one of the largest medical research agencies in the country.
Jelena Todic
The study aims to identify the best approach to refine grant proposal writing skills of junior faculty and post-doctoral associates. Participants and their Scientific Advisors are accepted as a dyad and put into one of four "arms," each utilizing a different approach, and studied over the course of five months.
When Todić first learned of this opportunity through an email from Johnelle Sparks , Associate Dean of Faculty Success and Administration, she wasn't quite ready to apply - there are strict requirements including actively developing or revising an NIH proposal. However, after a couple of years, with a proposal underway, she knew it was time.
Todić approached He to ask if she would be willing to serve as a Scientific Adviser. "I really admire Meizi's community-engaged research," she said. “I was thrilled when she accepted, despite her many demands!”
The researchers will work on a K application for a CBPR/implementation science-based proposal related to school-based restorative justice. Todić will participate in a two-day long kickoff/training, followed by five months of bi-weekly group coaching meetings which will conclude in a mock study section. Todić plans to submit the final grant proposal in spring 2022.
Meizi He
Todić is excited to participate in the study and believes it will be valuable to her grant-writing process. “Group processes really work for me,” she said. “It gives that structure, support, and accountability that I need.”
The study is now accepting applications for Cohort 5. The deadline for applications is September 13, 2021. Please visit the NRMN website for full details.
— Amanda Cerreto
