The Mentoring Program of the Texas D-CFAR provides support to junior faculty, trainees, and students wishing to conduct HIV-related research. As collaborative HIV science may lead to success in HIV prevention, treatment, or cure, we will support people from any academic discipline. Further, we welcome those of any academic rank or level who are new to the field of HIV research.
Our mentoring program is free for Texas D-CFAR members.
The leaders of the mentoring program are Dr. Elizabeth Chiao and Dr. Diane Santa Maria. In addition to their own successful NIH-funded research programs, they have decades of experience guiding mentees to develop and thrive in productive research careers and, therefore, understand what success means to a quality mentor-mentee relationship.
“As well as a phenomenal investigator and mentor herself, Dr. Chiao is a fountain of knowledge on what to look for in a physician-scientist mentor and how to find one based on your specific career goals.”
Once you join the mentoring program:
- You will meet with us so we can learn of your interests and prior research experience
- You will be introduced to a potential mentor(s) that will be able to help you develop and accelerate your specific research program
- When you find the right “fit” of a mentor, we will guide you in creating an Individual Development Plan, a “contract” that data show supports mentoring and research success
- You will meet with us twice per year (or more, if needed) for check-ins to ensure you are having success with your mentor and to discuss what other Texas D-CFAR resources you need to succeed
- You will be invited to Texas D-CFAR Mentoring Workshops on topics such as successful tips for worthwhile mentor-mentee relationships, writing a winning NIH K award application, and academic publishing
“Dr Santa Maria is uniquely qualified to help people in a variety of academic roles find a mentor because she understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to HIV research. She is well versed in the different research areas that individuals and teams are focusing on, so she can seamlessly point you in the right direction.”
Research Forums
Our mentoring program provides early-stage investigators with helpful forums led by Dr. Santa Maria and Dr. Chiao. You can access the recorded sessions here and learn from experts on how to make the most of your resources, secure funding, and advance your HIV research career.