# NCCU Duke - Substance Use Research & Education (ND-SURE)

> **NIH NIH R25** · NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $266,070

## Abstract

Abstract
Representation of minority groups in biomedical research, including research on substance use is low; and
individuals who identify as members of underrepresented minority groups (URMs) pursue such careers at far
lower rates than expected considering the demographics of the U.S. This project will focus on cultivating the
interest of undergraduate students in substance use-related research to increase the pool of diverse applicants
pursuing substance use-related research careers. We have established a partnership between Duke University
(a private, R1 university) and North Carolina Central University (NCCU; a public HBCU). Our program, entitled
NCCU Duke – Substance Use Research & Education (ND-SURE) will provide educational, research training,
and intensive mentoring for undergraduates from both institutions. ND-SURE will: 1) Focus entirely on
undergraduates; 2) Pair laboratories and an academic course from Duke and NCCU to provide innovative
substance use-related academic and research opportunities to URM students from both institutions; 3) Provide
intensive mentoring, a seminar series, and a wide range of professional development opportunities (including
IDPs); and 4) track the progress of participants as they complete their undergraduate training and move
forward into graduate or professional education. A primary goal of the program will be for students from each
institution to study and train with students from the other, thereby leveraging the distinct strengths of each
university. Aim 1 will promote in-depth understanding of the biomedical, public health, social and cultural
impacts of substance use through didactic training in a semester-long course focused on substance use and its
various biological, clinical, and social impacts, and engage students with the Research Triangle substance use
research community. This Aim will also establish a rich professional network through which ND-SURE
participants will acquire specific skills and guidance toward careers related to substance use research. Aim 2
will provide an immersive summer substance use research experience in Duke and NCCU laboratories that
includes personalized research mentoring, and both group and individualized professional development
education. Aim 3 will provide continuing professional development and mentoring opportunities for
participants, and an empirical evaluation component to document participants' progress toward career goals
and follow their progress beyond their undergraduate experience. The program will continue to support
participants by providing monthly meetings with program mentors throughout the following academic year. In
addition, meetings and resources will be provided to support participants' specific research endeavors
including advice on poster construction, presentation/publication planning, graduate school/employment
applications, and evolving career development considerations. The program will also provide specific
preparatory advice and suppor...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10987360
- **Project number:** 1R25DA059883-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Wendy Heck Grillo
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $266,070
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-15 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10987360

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10987360, NCCU Duke - Substance Use Research & Education (ND-SURE) (1R25DA059883-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10987360. Licensed CC0.

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