AppalTRUST Scholars Program
Access Expert Mentorship, Training, and Pilot Funding in Tobacco Regulatory Science in Appalachia
The University of Kentucky Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (AppalTRuST) is currently seeking applications from faculty interested in participating as tobacco regulatory science (TRS) scholars. Our team is examining tobacco use patterns and the potential impacts of FDA regulations on reducing geographic disparities in tobacco use in Appalachian Kentucky. AppalTRuST scholars will participate in career enhancement activities offered through our Career Enhancement Core (CEC).
The goal is to train and support faculty to become independent and funded TRS researchers. The CEC will provide a transformative learning environment to mentor and train a pool of talented scholars in FDA regulatory science focused on the policy impacts on rural communities.
Faculty scholars are expected to devote a minimum of 15 percent effort, with salary support provided by AppalTRuST to a minimum of two awardees, for a two-year period. Additional awardees and/or support may be available depending on availability of funding.
Opportunities:
Immersive research experiences. Scholars will engage in hands-on experience with innovative TRS research methods, building on the AppalTRUST project areas of focus (e.g., behavioral economics, retail audits, community-engaged longitudinal data collection). Expertise in TRS research design will occur through interactions with the Biostatistics and Informatics Core (BIC). To develop a critical understanding of FDA regulatory policy impact in rural areas, scholars will also engage with the Community Outreach and Participant Engagement (COPE) core.
Intentional ‘real-world’ training experiences. Scholars will engage in transdisciplinary TRS enrichment activities aligned with the aims of the AppalTRUST projects and cores (e.g., seminars, retreats, and rural community engagement). This includes a consistent weekly commitment to TRS trainings and professional development opportunities designed to build content expertise, methodological skills, and leadership capacity. Collaborative networking experiences will further be supported through participation in the Cross-TCORS Visiting Scholars Program and the TRS Seminar Series, fostering sustained cross-institutional engagement and mentorship.
Pilot project and Conferences. Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for pilot funding to develop supplementary studies that align with AppalTRUST priorities and those of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. Pilot awardees will be expected to disseminate their findings through active scholarly engagement, including presentation of results and submission of at least two conference abstracts during the program period, as well as preparation of a manuscript for publication.
Expectations:
During their tenure as an AppalTRuST Scholar, participants are required to:
- Attend and participate in a variety of learning opportunities, including ApaplTRuST Scholar meetings, TRS journal club, the TRS Seminar Series, and team retreats throughout the two-year period
- Participate in mentored TRS research
- Apply for pilot funding
- Contribute to TRS scholarly output
- Submit abstracts to TRS professional conferences
- Apply for independent research grant support
- Complete periodic progress reports
Application Process:
Compile the following information into one PDF file and submit via the web-based form linked below:
- Letter of intent indicating faculty scholar pathway. Share your interest in TRS with rural populations, and describe how the TRS program aligns with career goals and research trajectory. No more than 2 pages double-spaced.
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A letter from the candidate’s Chair ensuring support for a minimum of 15 percent protected time if selected.
*Applications are accepted through March 1, 2026, with a start date of September 2026. Scholars are appointed for two years.