January 14, 2020

LUNA Program: International Indigenous Health Research Training Program

LUNA is a five-year international health research program, which will provide in-depth training opportunities to qualified graduate, medical and post-doctoral students from Indigenous populations throughout the United States. Through a strong network of highly trained Indigenous scholars, trainees will use culturally grounded research techniques in Latin America (Peru & Guatemala), Nepal, and Hawai’i to address biomedical and socio-behavioral health concerns within those populations.  Indigenous scholars will be partnered with trainees to contribute to ameliorating health disparities among Indigenous populations.  Through the use of a specially designed training plan, the LUNA project will (1) ensure that all trainees begin to develop a theoretical and methodological foundation in health disparities research; (2) create opportunities for reciprocal knowledge exchange among trainees and mentors and exposure to different Indigenous populations; (3) create opportunities for trainees and mentors to be exposed to cutting-edge Indigenous health, substance abuse and related innovations and Indigenous methodologies; and (4) provide hands-on technical assistance in oral, visual, and written presentations and products.

 

Led by PI Karina Walters, the investigator team includes IWRI’s Tessa Evans-Campbell, Bonnie Duran, Michael Spencer, Cynthia Pearson, and Maya Magarati. Investigators from other departments and institutions include Pamela Collins, UW Psychology & Behavioral Sciences and Global Health; Roberto Orellana, Portland State University, Global Health; Jane Simoni, UW Department of Psychology; and Deepa Rao, UW Global Health Dept.

 

Grant Number: 1T37MD014208-01

PI: Karina Walters

Funding Period: 07/19/2019 – 11/30/2023

Funding Agency: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)