Project Summary/Abstract This supplement application is in response to the Notice of Special Interest (NOT-OD-20-054): Administrative Supplements to Promote Research Continuity and Retention of NIH Mentored Career Development (K) Award Recipients and Scholars. The PI is in the fourth year of his K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, and his wife gave birth to their first child on 05/18/2020. The PI and his wife have alternated being the sole care providers over the past 10+ months since childbirth. The PI was on official paternity leave until 12/14/20, and his role as sole caregiver until this return date significantly impeded his manuscript and grant productivity, K01 training experiences, and K01 research study progress; all difficulties were further compounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PI is requesting 6 months of research assistant support ($29,092 in direct costs) to support the completion of his delayed K01 research project and to facilitate his return to full productivity post-childbirth.