# Research Experiences and Training Coordination Core

> **NIH NIH P42** · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $133,472

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY 
Since its inception in 2010, the PROTECT Research Experience and Training Coordination Core (RETCC – 
formerly the Training Core) has prepared our trainees for successful careers in the environmental health fields, 
with results evident in our trainees’ impressive follow-on positions in industry, government labs and agencies, 
and academia. We provide innovative learning opportunities that emphasize multidisciplinary and team-based 
approaches, the application of leadership, communication, and community-based methodologies, and other 
professional skills. The specific aims (objectives) of the RETCC are to: 1) provide high quality transdisciplinary 
training, education, professional development and mentoring experiences to diverse trainees at the institutions 
participating in the PROTECT program; 2) collaborate and share best practices with other SRP centers to 
jointly develop and deliver professional development, training and networking opportunities for trainees across 
multiple SRP centers; 3) facilitate trainee interactions with the Community Engagement Core, the Human 
Subjects and Sampling Core, and the research translation component of the Administrative Core to promote 
trainee engagement with cultures and communities connected to our collaborating institutions to provide place- 
based, experiential environmental health and justice education; and 4) provide ongoing interaction with the 
Data Management and Analysis Core, through various training modalities and mentorship, on the use of data 
analytics as a research tool and the importance of well-designed and implemented data management as an 
environmental health practice. The rationale for the Core’s approach is that environmental health 
professionals must have disciplinary depth, and also knowledgably consider the breadth of collaborating 
disciplines. The RETCC uses a logic model in its design that identifies the resources required to implement 
the program, planned activities and outputs, and outcomes that are expected over time. The model is refined 
through a regular evaluation program. Key activities are planned to create tailored training experiences in 4 
areas: 1) recruitment/orientation, 2) education and training, 3) community building, networking, and mentoring, 
and 4) professional development. Sample activities include Individual Development Plans and completion 
awards; technical and professional development webinars; PROTECT research-related coursework; in-person 
trainee programs at Northeast and SRP annual meetings; participation in SRP SPAN; support for fellowships 
and award applications; and, community-based initiatives related to environmental health and social justice. 
The RETCC involves 35 to 40 trainees per year across a wide spectrum of experience, discipline and 
educational levels. Our trainee levels are mostly MS and PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers, 
working in disciplines that include environmental engineering, geology, epidem...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10335258
- **Project number:** 5P42ES017198-12
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kelsey Janette Pieper
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $133,472
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2010-04-12 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10335258

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10335258, Research Experiences and Training Coordination Core (5P42ES017198-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10335258. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*
