MIRECC / CoE
Research Experience for Diverse Medical and Graduate Students
About the Program
Gain hands-on experience working with investigators on current research at the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, focused on preventing suicide among Veterans. This program provides research experience and training to diverse medical and graduate students interested in a career in suicide research. Participants will get access to renowned suicide prevention researchers and receive mentorship and support to build their skills and CV.
The program will link each student with a suicide research mentor who has an ongoing funded project. Students will join their research team and receive individualized mentoring. Participants will develop a feasible research question and present data at the culmination of the eight-week program.
Program Details
- Virtual — prospective participants may apply from across the nation
- 8-week program beginning in Fall 2024
- Participants will receive an $800 stipend
Eligibility
Participants accepted and enrolled into the program must be 1) U.S. citizens; 2) actively enrolled in accredited schools of medicine, allied health professions, public health or other health professional schools; and 3) from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in suicide research. Individuals underrepresented in suicide research include: a) racial and ethnic groups including Black or African-American, LatinX, and American Indian; b) individuals with physical and mental impairment; c) students who are Veterans or children of Veterans; d) members of LGBTQ; and e) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants must have completed at least one year in their current educational program and must commit to complete the eight-week program.
Program Staff
How to Apply
Send completed application to tyler.webb2@va.gov with the following components. Use the subject line "Diversity Research Program Application."
- Participant Information Form
- Cover letter detailing your interest in the program, research interests and training, who you are interested in working with from the list of faculty, how your background makes you a diverse applicant as well as how you bring a diverse perspective to suicide research
- C.V.
Testimonials from Previous Scholars
| “What I liked most about the program was the free-range knowledge that our cohort was able to gain. We weren't obligated to provide deliverables which allowed us to fully gain more insight on the topics that interest us most. What I will remember most is our group discussion and being able to speak openly.” | |
| “The presentations given by Investigators that were members of a community they were researching in the first place. Suicide Risk & LGBTQ+ Vets, CSSRS, Military Policy for Veterans & Personnel, CBT for Treatment Seeking Deaf Individuals. It’s refreshing to witness researchers “at the table” that are LGBT, or had presented suicidal ideation in their lifetime, are deaf, or were combat veterans.” | |
| “The flexibility of the program allowed me to enjoy the research process without the pressure of academics and with ongoing support from everyone involved with the VA.” | |
| “The fellowship with the Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention allowed me the space to get excited about research.” |
About the COE
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Since its inception in 2007, Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention has been guided by a public health approach to suicide prevention. The Center's research is designed to inform the development and use of evidence-based prevention strategies upstream to alter life trajectories prior to the development of suicidal behaviors, while also intervening to address risk factors for highly vulnerable Veterans within the health system. Program participants will be exposed to a range of research with Veterans targeting different categories of risk (universal, selective, indicated) and utilizing different methods and analytic approaches. |
