Stimulating Training and Access to HIV Research Experiences (STAR): a protocol for a crowdsourced, project-based, implementation science training program
An article in Frontiers in Public Health, published September 10, 2025.
Authors: Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Joseph D. Tucker, Idia Thurston, Collins O. Airhihenbuwa, Rhonda BeLue, Weiming Tang, Chisom Obiezu-umeh, Onyekachukwu Anikamadu, Khadijah Ameen, Christian Herrera, Alexis Engelhart, Tochukwu Patrick, Ujunwa Onyeama, David Oladele, Bryce Puesta Takenaka, Olufunto A. Olusanya, Temitope Ojo, Juliet Iwelunmor
The "Stimulating Training and Access to HIV Research Experiences" (STAR) program aims to increase the involvement of underrepresented minority adolescents and young adults (AYA) in HIV research. This initiative addresses the low uptake of HIV prevention services, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infection testing, among this group in the United States. Additionally, it seeks to fill the gap in training, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities for AYA in research institutions.
Program Objectives:
Recruitment: The STAR program uses crowdsourcing to identify and recruit minority AYAs interested in HIV research.
Capacity Building: STAR enhances research skills and project-based design capacity through targeted training at participating institutions.
Sustainability: The program establishes a digital Participatory Learning Community (PLC) to maintain and foster ongoing research capacity and collaboration.
Three-Stage Approach:
Learning: Educate minority AYAs about HIV prevention services.
Designing: Empower AYAs to lead the development of HIV prevention services.
Implementation: Support AYAs in launching and evaluating HIV prevention services at community sites
Participatory Learning Community: The PLC offers virtual interaction, mentoring, and project-sharing opportunities for trainees, faculty, and invited experts. This setup facilitates rapid information exchange and supports the trainees' research activities.
Innovative Training Methods: The STAR program employs designathons and innovation bootcamps to teach research and design skills. These methods aim to make AYAs junior leaders in HIV research and build long-term institutional capacity for such work.
Sidenote: The STAR Program is accepting applications to their 2026-2027 cohort until October 31! Visit their website for details.