Center for Health Equity Transformation Training SPARK Program SPARK Alumni SPARK Alumni May 2019 SPARK Program In May of 2019, CHET launched a pilot of the SPARK program. Three students received intense training on developing research questions, research conduct, IRB proposals and budget development, and health equity. With active membership from CHET and community and faculty members, the SPARKlers developed the following research projects: Sidney Bibbs Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science, Minors in Spanish and Music Performance College of Health Sciences, Class of 2022 Project: "An Examination of the Motivators and Barriers to Blood Donation among African-Americans in Lexington, Kentucky" Simone Bibbs Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minors in Cello Performance and Spanish College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2022 Project: "The Role and Impact of Recovery Programs and Community Services on the Recovery and Reintegration of Survivors of Sex Trafficking" Hannah Bowling Bachelor of Science in Public Health College of Public Health, Class of 2020 Project: "Identifying Facilitators and Barriers of Physical Activity in a Rural Trail Town" May 2020 SPARK Program In May of 2020, CHET launched a modified version of the SPARK Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Selected students were matched with faculty sponsors and engaged in data analysis projects. CHET provided remote training on research ethics, health equity, formulating research questions, literature reviews, project planning and management, and quantitative data and analysis. Students engaged with CHET and faculty sponsors in addressing research questions using provided datasets, and participated in professional development activities. Their efforts culminated in publications and research presentations at the 2021 Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences Annual Meeting. Roberto Obregon Garcia Bachelor of Arts in Psychology College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2021 Project: "Riskful drug-use behavior among people who use heroin in Washington Heights." Alexis James Bachelor of Science in Human Health Science, Minor in Biology College of Health Sciences, Class of 2022 Project: “Exploring the Association Between Depression, Traumatic Life Events, and Coping Among Incarcerated African American Men.” Hope Makumbi Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2021 Project: “Adult Education and Childhood Developmental Disorders.”
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