# TRIO Networking Core

> **NIH NIH U2C** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $110,314

## Abstract

The NC KUH TRIO Networking Core is designed to build a pipeline of talented, diverse trainees who will
contribute to KUH related fields across NC institutions of higher learning. We aim to provide support to this
pipeline as part of a dynamic and cohesive cohort along their training pathway towards successful and rewarding
careers in research. By connecting programmatic and institutional partners across 3 leading North Carolina (NC)
biomedical research universities: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and Duke
University, as well as from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, NC Agricultural & Technical State
University, Winston-Salem State University and NC Central University, the TRIO Networking Core is maximally
poised to reach a broad spectrum of trainees from diverse personal and training backgrounds. Networking Core
activities will connect early-stage trainees to peers, near-peer trainees, and senior mentors, which will be
enhanced through the integration of social media and virtual learning platforms in addition to traditional in-person
group learning opportunities, conference meetings, and community outreach events. Together, these activities
will support the TRIO Networking Core’s three objectives to: 1) organize a pipeline with a leadership structure
built to recruit and support development of the diverse workforce needed to mirror the communities most
impacted by disparate outcomes in KUH-related diseases, leveraging existing, and creating new KUH-specific
programs, especially with our HBCU TRIO institutions; 2) support the talent of our trainees as emerging
interdisciplinary leaders across all levels of KUH-related research by equipping them with the skills required to
navigate the changing world of scientific discourse and engagement; and 3) enhance retention of trainees across
the KUH pipeline through community building activities. Close collaboration with the TRIO Professional
Development, Training (TL1), and Administrative Cores will provide resources and infuse the Networking Core
with the mentors and tools to build the bridges for pipeline trainees and maintain an open gateway of support for
the next generation of researchers. These efforts support the overall goal of nurturing fully prepared researchers
who will advance KUH research and advance our goal of developing a workforce that is far more representative
of the communities most heavily impacted by disparate KUH outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10918221
- **Project number:** 5U2CDK133491-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Keisha L Gibson
- **Activity code:** U2C (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $110,314
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10918221

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10918221, TRIO Networking Core (5U2CDK133491-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10918221. Licensed CC0.

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