The Center for Asian Health (CAH) is training and mentoring the next generation of population health scientists, doctors, researchers and community partners to prevent cancer and chronic diseases in diverse communities. Through our programs, early-stage investigators and junior researchers have learned research skills, how to use tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning, and how to effectively work with communities.

Health Disparities Research Innovation (HDRI) Program 

This program provides mentored research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, as well as health professionals. To address a broad range of population health issues, HDRI trainees use community-based, multidisciplinary, and culturally appropriate research approaches. They also practice skills like following research rules (IRB compliance), reviewing scientific papers, designing studies, working with communities, analyzing data, giving presentations, and writing research papers. In addition, our trainees gain career-boosting networking opportunities with other researchers, community leaders, and funding groups.

HDRI Seminars Learning Series   

Each month, HDRI trainees attend one or two online seminars led by faculty, staff, or other trainees representing a variety of disciplines within biomedical and health research. Topics include Diversity and Inclusion, Citation Management, Community Outreach 101, Basic Biostatistics, Intro to R (statistical software), and career paths in population health research. The goal is to help HDRI trainees improve their research, critical thinking and communication skills. They also learn how to share resources and network with research team members and fellow trainees.

HDRI Journal Club  

The Journal Club teaches trainees how to interpret and assess scientific studies. In virtual meetings, trainees present research articles and lead discussions. Goals include: 

• Analyzing population health research findings. 
• Summarizing studies for the public. 
• Evaluating scientific research. 
• Encouraging discussion and collaboration. 
• Trainees take turns leading meetings, giving short presentations, and preparing discussion questions. 

Youth Leadership Training Program  

The Youth Leadership Training Program at CAH fosters mutual understanding, academic skills, and community engagement among high school scholars, learning and interacting with peer mentors of undergraduate and graduate students in addressing issues related to health disparities. Through the program, students participate in workshops, community service activities, team building exercises, meetings with community leaders, and leadership development. Upon completion of the program, the students apply what they have learned to their academic learning, research, community engagement, and public service projects that serve needs in their communities.