2022 SPARK Program Information

Applications will be accepted until Oct. 31, 2022. For questions please contact Ariel Arthur at ariel.arthur@uky.edu

WHO: Any undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University with at least two academic years left until graduation and a GPA of 2.8 or higher are invited to apply for SPARK.  We seek talented students interested in developing research expertise and projects in health disparities/health equity. Students from underrepresented groups or disadvantaged backgrounds, as defined by the National Institutes of Health (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html) are especially encouraged to apply.

WHAT: SPARK is a dynamic collaboration between the Center for Health Equity Transformation (CHET), the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), the Cardiovascular Disease Research Priority Area, and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. You can read more about the program here: https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/chet/spark-program. Participants will be introduced to community-engaged research focused on health disparities/health equity and receive extensive mentorship. Students will identify a research topic, program leaders will assist in identifying mentors, and students will work with their mentorship team to develop a project. Students will conduct this project in their home communities over the summer, receiving funds to support this research. After implementing the project, participants will meet with their mentors, undertake data analysis and write-up, and present and publish their research in professional settings. It is expected that students will respond to any and all communication (email, calls, etc.), complete all assignments, and provide information promptly and professionally for the duration of the program.

WHEN: Research training will begin in January 2023, with research data collection taking place May through August of 2023. Research activities will continue throughout academic year 2023-2024. All students will present their projects at the annual CCTS conference in April 2024.

WHERE: The SPARK program will take place primarily in person. Meetings and training sessions are both anticipated to occur at the Health Kentucky Research Building at the University of Kentucky. When necessary, remote options will be made available.

RESOURCES AND BENEFITS: Students will receive excellent research training, faculty and community mentorship, a generous summer stipend, ample resources for their research project, and professional development opportunities.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: The application window is Sept. 26 to Oct. 31. Please submit your application online at the following link: https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/chet/spark-applications. The required application components include:

1. Cover letter (limited to one page) describing your interest in health equity research
2. Resume, including GPA and major
3. A list of three professional references with contact information

For more information about SPARK and eligibility, please visit:  https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/chet/spark-program and/or contact Ariel Arthur, ariel.arthur@uky.edu.

Resume and cover letter resources: https://www.uky.edu/careercenter/preparation