The HOPE Research Scholars

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Overview 

The HOPE (Health Opportunity, Policy, and Engagement) Research Scholars Program is a competitive, three-year interprofessional learning opportunity for professional and doctoral students across the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center (HSC). Designed and managed by the HSC Office of Health Equity and Engagement, the program is a collaboration among the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health & Information Sciences.

The program supports the development of health leaders and researchers equipped to address complex challenges at the intersection of health access, policy, and community engagement. HOPE Scholars engage in high-impact, community-engaged scholarship aimed at improving health outcomes and driving systems-level innovation.

This scholar-driven program integrates rigorous research training, longitudinal mentorship, community partnerships, and professional development. Students entering their second year of a doctoral program (Au.D., D.M.D., D.N.P., M.D., or Ph.D.) at an HSC school and who are in good academic standing are eligible to apply. One scholar is selected from each school annually, totaling four participants per cohort. Scholars may participate in the program for up to three years and receive mentorship, research experience, and travel support for professional development.

Throughout the program, participants will engage in experiential learning that deepens their understanding of health disparities and community contexts. Activities may include community-based projects, partnerships with local organizations, service-learning, and applied research. Structured learning sessions will cover topics such as community-based participatory research, health disparities, and interprofessional collaboration.

Scholars will develop and carry out research projects involving study design, data collection and analysis, dissemination through presentations and publications, and translation of findings into community-informed strategies. Mentorship will follow a team-based model, drawing on faculty, peer, and community mentors to provide comprehensive academic, professional, and community guidance.

Program Objectives

The purpose of the HOPE Research Scholars Program is to provide training using an interprofessional model to perform community based participatory research addressing disparities in health risk and health outcomes. Specifically, selected scholars will:

  1. Develop and complete a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project addressing health and social factors affecting communities.
  2. Build strong mentorship relationships that support academic, professional, and leadership development.
  3. Develop interdisciplinary skills through hands-on, experiential, and service-learning opportunities.
  4. Translate research into action through policy, practice, and measurable community impact.

Scholar Responsibilities

All applicants must be in academic good standing and obtain a recommendation from a designated academic official attesting to the applicant’s ability to undertake additional work and responsibilities. Selected scholars will receive a detailed orientation concerning the expectations and requirements of their scholarship. On average, scholars should anticipate a 2–3-hour commitment per week to this program. In summary, scholarship recipients will be required to meet the following criteria:

  1. Remain in good academic standing.
  2. Work collaboratively with other scholarship recipients and/or with HSC partner organizations to complete a major research project focusing on health equity and social determinants of health issues.
  3. Scholars will be required to attend monthly lectures (either in person or online) as part of the curriculum.
  4. Scholars must meet with their project mentor at least monthly.
  5. Scholars must meet with office appointed staff at least monthly for guidance and report progress.
  6. Scholars must meet with their career mentor at least every three months.
  7. Scholars are expected to present their findings to their community partners and their peers in their respective HSC school.
  8. Scholars are expected to present their findings at a national conference and/or publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Although this program is designed to be a three-year commitment and renewable scholarship, scholars may be dismissed at any time if the scholar fails to meet the required responsibilities of the program.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit all required supplemental documents for their application to be reviewed. To ensure timely consideration, all materials must be submitted by May 15 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

Apply here: Applications will open on January 15th.

Application components include:

  • Personal Essay
  • Resume or CV
  • Biographical Sketch
  • Research Statement
  • Community Engagement Statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions

Official transcripts must be submitted either by mail or email:

Mailing Address:

HSC Office of Health Equity and Engagement
Abell Administration Center, Suite 502 
University of Louisville
Attention: Health Opportunity Policy Engagement
Louisville, KY 40202

Or email transcripts to:
Kiana.Fields@louisville.edu

For questions or assistance, please contact Kiana Fields at kiana.fields@louisville.edu or hsc.equity@louisville.edu.

Application Timeline

The HOPE Research Scholars Program follows an annual application cycle. Applications open each year on January 15th, and all required materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 15th. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early to allow time to complete the application form, request letters of recommendation, and gather supporting documents. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Finalist interviews will be conducted virtually during May and early June. All applicants will be notified of their selection status by mid-June. Those selected for the upcoming cohort will receive detailed instructions regarding next steps, including onboarding, orientation, and key dates. The new cohort will officially begin the program in August, when they will be welcomed and introduced to program faculty, peers, and the year’s activities.

For any questions about the application process or program details, please contact the Health Sciences Center Office of Health Equity and Engagement at hsc.equity@louisville.edu or call 502-852-8949.

Supplemental Application Materials

Recommendation forms and letters of support should be emailed directly to Kiana Fields or hsc.equity@louisville.edu.