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Community Engagement and Training Core | |
MS INBRE awards three community-based organizations with Community Organization Proposal Awards. | |
Community Organization Funding Opportunities
The Community Organization Proposal Awards, in two competitive phases: ENGAGE and PROPOSE, are intended to provide funding on an annual basis for community organizations to build community-academic teams that can address the critical challenges imposed by Mississippi's top public health issues.
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include community organizations. For this award, a community organization is defined as a non-Federal or non-academic organization whose primary purpose is to provide goods, services, support, resources, or advocacy to members of a Mississippi community. Examples of eligible organizations include faith-based organizations, public healthcare systems, school districts, social services agencies, non-federal government agencies (including local, regional, Tribal or state level governments and their respective departments of public health, commerce, labor, transportation, housing and recreation). Community organizations must also have appropriate systems, policies and procedures in place to manage funds and activities.
For all inquiries or more information, please email gulfsouthcommunityhealth@usm.edu.
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Choctaw Indian Fair - Choctaw, MS | Summer Library Kick-off - Mobile, AL | Hub City Wellness Fair - Hattiesburg, MS | |
On the Ground
Our outreach efforts aim to raise awareness about health and disease risks while promoting healthier food and beverage choices for individuals of all ages in Mississippi communities. Our focus on the dangers of excessive sugar and salt intake helps communities make more informed decisions about their diets. One of our key initiatives, titled "Sugar Shockers," features a table exhibit displaying bottles of popular sodas, juices, and energy drinks to highlight the high sugar content in these beverages.
We believe fostering behavior change toward healthier lifestyles is a crucial step in improving health outcomes for minority and underserved populations. Through this initiative, we strive to educate the public, enhance collaboration opportunities across the state through community engagement, and offer service programs for USM students. These programs not only support health and wellness promotion but also contribute to training the next generation of health professionals, reinforcing our organization’s commitment to advancing community well-being.
Since September 1, 2024, we’ve attended 30 events, with more to come. If you know of upcoming events or would like us to participate, please send details to our Community Engaged Research Coordinator Lanena John at lanena.john@usm.edu.
An appreciative thank you to all organizations who invite us to participate in their events throughout the years — we look forward to continuing these conversations to make a healthier Mississippi!
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Meet our Research Investigators | | |
MS INBRE works to strengthen the biomedical research enterprise in Mississippi by providing direct support for faculty located at Primary Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs). Our program aims to increase the impact of PUI faculty’s research projects, to enhance the quality of new faculty hires at PUIs, and to foster a culture of biomedical research excellence. | | |
Dr. Wolfgang Kramer
Millsaps College
Photochemical Synthesis of Isoindolone Piperidines as GSK3/CDK Inhibitors
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Dr. Kramer is exploring innovative ways to fight diseases like cancer by developing new compounds that target the processes driving uncontrolled cell growth. His research focuses on using light to create intricate molecular structures.
Specifically, Dr. Kramer is working on synthesizing compounds which have shown promise in inhibiting two key enzymes which play critical roles in cell division and growth, and when they break down, they can lead to rapid cell multiplication like that seen in aggressive tumors. This work could lead to more accessible treatments for cancers and other diseases involving abnormal cell growth.
This innovative research is emblematic of MS INBRE’s mission, not only highlighting the potential of chemistry to improve healthcare but also demonstrating the insights of unconventional thinking in addressing some of medicine’s toughest challenges.
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Dr. Dolbow is pioneering a novel hybrid exercise program designed to improve the health outcomes of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Obesity and metabolic syndrome are prevalent among individuals with SCI, with rates exceeding those of the general population by a significant rate. This vulnerable group often faces heightened risks of cardiovascular disease and early mortality, largely driven by sedentary lifestyles and limited physical activity.
To address these challenges, Dr. Dolbow’s program combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling of paralyzed legs with voluntary arm cycling in a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) format. By incorporating HIIT, the program aims to maximize cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass gains within a reduced time commitment.
Dr. Dolbow hypothesizes that this combined strategy will yield significant improvements in cardiometabolic health compared to standard care.
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Dr. David R. Dolbow
William Carey University
The Effects of a Hybrid HIIT-FES Cycling Program on Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury to Improve Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
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Carlton Thomas
Recent Graduate of
The University of Southern Mississippi
MS INBRE Health Scholar 2023 Cohort
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Entering the Health Scholars Program, Carlton sought to gain experience in research and public health while developing skills to bridge academic inquiry with real-world applications. His time with the program exceeded these expectations, offering him the chance to engage in impactful public health initiatives and interact with patients in clinical settings.
Reflecting on his experience, Carlton highlighted how the program enabled him to connect public health theory to practical solutions.
Moving forward, he plans to use these skills to improve health outcomes in underserved communities by integrating clinical practice with evidence-based public health initiatives.
Mr. Thomas will continue his research in the Public Health Master's program at the University of Memphis.
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USM Partners with My Brother's Keeper on Important Health Research Award | Mon, 11/20/2023 - 09:08am The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will provide research assistance in health-related issues as part of a collaboration with My Brother's Keeper, which recently received a 2023 National Institutes of Health (NIH) ComPASS Award. | | | |
USM Lands $4 Million Grant to Establish Regional Research Hub | Mon, 08/07/2023 - 11:15am | By: Van Arnold Labeled "ASPIRE," a new project spearheaded by University of Southern Mississippi (USM) polymer Professor Dr. Zhe Qiang represents the ideal title for a team of scientists dedicated to changing the world. Qiang and his team secured a $4 million grant from the U.S. | | | |
Exciting upcoming event - 2025 Conference!
Join us at the Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi & Mississippi Health Disparities 2025!
Are you ready to be part of a transformative conversation about health in Mississippi?
Mark your calendars for June 4-6, 2025, as the Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi and Mississippi Health Disparities are joining forces to bring forth a stellar 2025 conference!
| Make sure to follow all of MHD socials for more updates | |
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Research Symposium
The Southern Miss College of Nursing and Health Professions is thrilled to announce their inaugural Research Symposium, taking place on February 6, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Asbury Hall.
Dr. Charleen C. McNeill, PhD, MSN, RN will serve as the keynote speaker for the Cadenhead Lecture portion of the CNHP Research Symposium.
Mark your calendars and come join CNHP for this inaugural event.
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Community Engagement and Training Core's
Research Workshop
Our Research Workshop was held on August 30, 2024, at the Trent Lott Center on the USM campus. Speakers included Drs. Jennifer L. Lemacks, Tammy Greer, Jacques Kessl, and Austen Anderson from USM. The panel featured Dr. June Gipson (My Brother's Keeper, Inc.), Dr. Victor Sutton (Mississippi State Department of Health), Dr. Bryan Batson (Hattiesburg Clinic), Pastor Arthur Siggers (Mt. Olive Baptist Church), and Ann McCullen (Edwards Street Fellowship Center), with Jacquilyn German moderating.
This workshop highlighted the community-based participatory research approach, showcasing its significant impact on improving the health of Mississippi’s underserved communities. It emphasized the importance of fostering crucial, long-lasting partnerships with external agencies and organizations across the state.
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Job Position
Associate Director for Research
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The Gulf South Center for Community-Engaged Health Research and Innovation is seeking a full-time Associate Director for Research.
The position will work directly with the Center Director to achieve the overall objective of the Center to conduct health disparities research using a trans-disciplinary team of scientists and practice stakeholders to transform clinic and community observations into real-world interventions in Mississippi.
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Student Internship (USM)
Community Outreach Internship
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Community Outreach Internship is a voluntary and semester-by-semester experience for USM students to earn community service hours, while gaining outreach experience at community events.
Requirements:
- You must be a USM student
- Have reliable transportation
- Able to attend two events per month
Deadline for COI applications is Thursday, January 30, 2025!
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The Mississippi INBRE Community Engagement and Training Core program is supported by Award Number P20GM103476 from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences. The content of this newsletter is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences or the National Institutes of Health. For more information about the network, visit https://msinbre.org/. |
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