Steven P. Verney, Ph.D., DirectorRobert Rhyne, MD, C0-Director

Victoria Sanchez, Ph.D.Jennifer Averill, Ph.D., RN

Betty Skipper, Ph.D.Chuck North, MD

Cheryl Schmitt, M.S.

Goals and ObjectivesThe goal of the Research Core is to support and foster innovative research to address and improve health disparities in Hispanic and American Indian communities

Goals and ObjectivesTechnical Support

Provide technical assistance to researchers to develop new and innovative projects addressing health disparities

Research ClustersProvide forums for researchers to develop new ideas for

specific areas of health disparities needsMixed Methods, CBPR, Race/Ethnicity in Health

Disparities, Translation of Research to Practice and Policy

EvaluationProvide a framework for center evaluation in striving for

goals

Planned Year 1 ActivitiesTechnical Assistance

Develop procedures for reviewing and awarding internal and external technical assistance

Award internal and external technical assistance Research Clusters

Develop 4 research clustersEvaluation

Develop evaluation plan for center’s effectiveness

Assist cores and projects in developing plans for their own effectiveness

Accomplishments Year 1Technical Assistance

Internal & external forms and procedures finalized Funded three researchers/projects (1 consultant, 2

projects)Internal assistance for 4 projects

Research ClustersFormed collaborative efforts for Mixed Methods &

CBPR clusterDeveloping Race/Ethnicity in HD & Translation of

Research into Practice and PolicyEvaluation

Held Evaluation Retreat in September, 2010Developed framework for center evaluationAssisted other cores in developing their evaluation

plans

Challenges Encountered Year 1Technical Assistance

Web process delayed generation of widespread requests

Incorporating Technical Assistance form in webResearch Clusters

Inherent logistical problems: no financial resources, time and availability of interested researchers

EvaluationAdequate time for RC members to complete eval

planLack of research assistance to put evaluation plans

in place

Plans for Year 2Technical Assistance

Data tracking system through webBroaden availability through new web, National

Conference, announcementsProvide technical assistance to new researchers

and new projectsResearch Clusters

Partnering with overlapping organizations for quarterly seminars

Use web for centralizing clusters, etc.Evaluation

Finalize center’s and cores evaluation proceduresHire part-time RA