Durham Tech partners with Duke University to launch Clinical Research Equity Scholars Program

Durham Tech and Duke University’s Clinical and Transitional Science Institute (CTSI) have collaborated to develop a new Clinical Research Equity Scholars program, which launched February 1.

The two-semester program will provide Durham Tech students with a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for improving equity and diversity in clinical research.

“The need to improve diversity and equity in clinical trials is a crucial priority for health research,” said Dr. Sharleen Traynor, Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor of the Clinical Trials Research Associate program at Durham Tech.

Two Durham Tech students have been selected for the inaugural cohort. Students will participate in special training activities, gain hands-on experience working with clinical research teams, and work to address disparities in clinical research by engaging with communities that are underrepresented in clinical trials.

"This partnership is critical not only to support our ongoing commitment to equity initiatives within Durham Tech, but also to improve diversity in and access to clinical research within our community and beyond,” said Melissa Ockert, Dean of Health and Wellness at Durham Tech. “Our Clinical Trials Research students will have an incredible opportunity to learn from leaders in this field and have lasting impact on patients and future clinical research students.”

Students must commit at least four hours per week and be in good academic standing to participate. Scholars will receive a stipend and be matched with a Duke mentor on a clinical research project at Duke.

“Through the Clinical Research Equity Scholars program, Durham Tech students will directly contribute to efforts promoting equity in clinical research and engage with key stakeholders in the community,” Traynor said. “This experience will empower them to become equity champions as they enter the research workforce.”

Learn more about the Clinical Research Equity Scholars program or contact Dr. Sharleen Traynor for more information.