SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research
SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research
Pilot Project Program
Supporting early-career investigators with funding, training, and mentorship to advance health research.
Program Overview
The SDSU HealthLINK Center is proud to offer a Pilot Project Program that connects early-career and senior researchers at SDSU and SDSU IV, and provides training, support, and networking opportunities in basic biomedical, behavioral, clinical and population-focused health research.
Up to
$50,000
Up to 10 early-career investigators in the second- five years of the SDSU HealthLINK Center’s funding will each receive funding to carry out a two-year pilot project.
12-Month Training
Research Management Training Program led by the Investigator Development Team with session topics ranging from project start-up, to project management, to project close-out
Expert Mentorship
Work with a senior SDSU faculty mentor who will guide them as they undertake their pilot project and work to achieve relevant career development goals.
Support investigators
To establish a fundable program of research, including obtaining independent extramural funding for a larger research project based on pilot project findings.
How the Program Works
The awarding of pilot project funding follows a comprehensive three-step process designed to support your success at every stage.
1. Proposal Submission
Submit pilot project proposals focused on health research for all communities. Proposals utilizing Center services, resources, or community partners receive highest priority.
2. Grant-Writing Workshop
Pilot project proposals approved by the SDSU HealthLINK Center’s review committee are invited to participate in a Grant-Writing Workshop to facilitate preparation of a full NIH-style application.
3. Review & Award
Full applications are reviewed by the HealthLINK Center's committee. Recommended applications are prepared for submission to NIMHD for final awarding and project initiation.
Program Goals
Our mission is to create meaningful impact in health research and support the next generation of investigators working to improve health outcomes for all communities.
Career
Enhancement
Support career development of early-career investigators at SDSU conducting health-related research for all communities.
Increase Funding Potential
Increase potential for investigators to independently secure extramural funding through comprehensive training and support.
Build Research Community
Foster development of a diverse community of basic biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and population health researchers.
Program Leadership
The Pilot Project Program is led by experienced faculty members dedicated to supporting early-career investigators in their research journey.
Dr. Guadalupe Ayala
Distinguished Professor of Public Health
Co-Leader, Investigator Development Team
Dr. Heather Corliss
Professor of Public Health
Co-Leader, Investigator Development Team
Dr. Jennifer Thomas
Professor of Psychology
Co-Leader, Investigator Development Team
Pilot Project Cohort 04
Determining multi-level factors in communication outcomes in autism
Project Lead: Dr. Teresa Girolamo, PhD
Harnessing School, Neighborhood, and Policy Factors to Prevent Mental Health Problems Among Adolescents Experiencing Homelessness
Project Lead: Dr. Jane Leer, PhD
Fight or Flight: Biobehavioral Stress Responses in Bilingual Children Who Stutter During Everyday Communication Interactions
Project Lead: Dr. Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, M.A., Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Physical Activity in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Project Lead: Jessica Baker, PhD
Adapting a Digital Tool to Promote Hearing Protection Among Farmworkers
Project Lead: Laura Coco, PhD, AuD
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Pilot Project Program and how it can support your research career.
The SDSU HealthLINK Center received funding from NIMHD to support the awarding of up to 10 pilot projects in the second-five years of the Center’s funding.
Pilot project proposals should be clearly aimed at studying health and/or improving health for all communities. Proposals that involve utilizing Center services and/or resources, or work with the Center’s community partners, are given the highest priority.
Awardees participate in a year-long Research Management Training Program led by the Investigator Development Team and other SDSU experts. They also work with a senior SDSU faculty mentor throughout their project to support career development goals and gain skills needed to become independently funded researchers.