Training future American Indian and Alaska Native scientists in substance abuse research
Official title: The Native Children's Research Exchange Scholars Program: Preparing the Next Generation of American Indian and Alaska Native Substance Abuse and Addition Scientists
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10690509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help young American Indian and Alaska Native people become scientists who can tackle substance abuse issues in their communities by offering them education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that respect their culture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $211,149 |
| NIH project number | 5R25DA050645-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10690509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are American Indian and Alaska Native youth aged 0-21 who are interested in pursuing careers in health and substance abuse research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or Alaska Native may not receive direct benefits from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to prepare the next generation of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) scientists to address substance abuse issues within their communities. It focuses on building research capacity by providing educational opportunities and mentorship for young AIAN individuals interested in substance abuse and addiction science. The program emphasizes community involvement and culturally relevant research methodologies to ensure that the studies conducted are meaningful and effective for AIAN populations. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences that enhance their understanding of the complexities surrounding substance abuse in their communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower AIAN communities by increasing the number of qualified researchers who can address substance abuse issues effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at increasing representation of minority researchers have shown success in enhancing community health outcomes, indicating a promising approach for this program.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitesell, Nancy Rumbaugh — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Whitesell, Nancy Rumbaugh
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.