Mentoring Programs by and for a New Generation of Latino Investigators in Behavioral-Social Science HIV Research

Abstract

Latinos represent a critical resource of talent that could be cultivated to expand the HIV research workforce. However, their rapid growth, as the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority group in the US population, has yet to translate into a significant increase in Latino health academic researchers. Historically, strategies to build a diverse research workforce have grouped together individuals from underrepresented minority populations obscuring significance between and within group differences. This limits ap­proaches that are responsive to the diversity of needs and experiences of emerging investigators from underrepresented groups.In this article, we discuss challenges associ­ated with heterogeneity of Latinos and bar­riers that impede research independence/ career success in the context of a review of Latino-investigator targeted mentorship approaches on the behavioral-social science of HIV infection. Mentorship workforce strategies could benefit from a personal­ized framework emphasizing individualized and tailored approaches to address the limitations and gaps in knowledge regard­ing Latino research development. This perspective encourages increased emphasis on organizational and structural processes to aid in overcoming institutional-level barriers that impede research and career develop­ment. Recommendations are proposed for features and components of effective mentorship programs that will lead to robust outcomes for strengthening the Latino research workforce in the HIV research field and elsewhere.Ethn Dis. 2020;30(2):305- 312; doi:10.18865/ed.30.2.305.

Racial and Sexual Minority Scholar Positionality: Advancing Health Status and Life Opportunity Among Sexual Minority Men of Color

“…Racial, ethnic, and sexual minority scientists, including BLSMM, are underrepresented in science and public health contexts (e.g., clinical social work, medicine, and nursing; Stoff & Cargill, 2016; Sutton et al, 2020). Underrepresentation of affected communities (e.g., BLSMM) has implications for the development of research and clinical initiatives (Fuchs et al, 2016; Stoff & Cargill, 2016; Stoff et al, 2020; Sutton et al, 2020). Recent studies indicate that diversity informs culturally relevant research by drawing on the expertise of underrepresented scientists (e.g., BLSMM; Alegría et al, 2019; Bristow et al, 2004; Fuchs et al, 2016; Sutton et al, 2020).…”

Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI): Developing Career Pathways for Early-Stage Scholars From Racial and Ethnic Groups Underrepresented in HIV Science and Medicine

“…Numerous barriers hinder the inclusion and career progression of early-stage scholars from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in HIV research; these barriers include insufficient numbers of role models, mentors and mentoring programs, social and professional isolation, financial burdens, and the historical legacy of structural racism. [1][2][3][4][5] The HIV research field urgently needs proactive methods to engage, support, and train a more diverse and inclusive pool of scholars that is reflective of communities highly affected by the HIV epidemic. This will in turn engender and empower a more diverse scientific workforce whose expertise, lived experiences, and insights into affected communities could contribute to ending the HIV epidemic.…”

Social Support Assets and Needs of Underrepresented Students Participating in Health Sciences Pathways Programs in Birmingham, Alabama

“…9,12 Pathway programs for wide range of age groups and experience levels have been funded by federal agencies, academic institutions, and foundations to address the lack of representation in the HIV research workforce. 12,[14][15][16][17] Success hinges on these programs' abilities to address structural barriers that URMs face when pursuing an HIV research career, necessitating leveraging social capital and support, which are associated with URMs persisting through schooling and into health science careers. [18][19][20][21][22][23] The University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) Strengthening Training and Advancement in Research (STAR) program-part of the nationwide Centers for AIDS Research Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI)-is aimed at increasing interest in HIV research among URM high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.…”

“…Pathway programs for wide range of age groups and experience levels have been funded by federal agencies, academic institutions, and foundations to address the lack of representation in the HIV research workforce. 12,14–17 Success hinges on these programs' abilities to address structural barriers that URMs face when pursuing an HIV research career, necessitating leveraging social capital and support, which are associated with URMs persisting through schooling and into health science careers. 18–23…”