Research Training Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice

The University of Utah ASCENT Research Training Program in

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice (SRHRJ)

Summer 2024

June 3 – August 9, 2024

The ASCENT Research Training Program in SRHRJ is offering a 10-week summer intensive training program for a new cadre of aspiring researchers and clinician scientists interested in issues around SRHRJ and community-engaged research. This program is open to Scholars from all levels, including upper undergraduates, graduate students, post-baccalaureate, post-doctoral, clinical trainees, and early-career professionals nationwide. Unique to this program is the multi-level approach with integrated scientific and community-based mentorship specializing in community-engaged research. Based at the University of Utah ASCENT Center for Reproductive Health, the program, now in its 10th year, offers close engagement, mentoring, and clinical shadowing with faculty and clinicians in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S.J. Quinney College of Law, School for Cultural and Social Transformation, Sociology, Political Science, and College of Nursing, as well as diverse community partners to explore pressing issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice.

This program provides an opportunity to network, develop research skills, engage in mentored research projects, explore new topics, engage with advocacy, and garner clinical experience. Participants each have an Individualized Education Plan and will attend weekly meetings on Mondays from 1 pm-3 pm MST (12-3 pm on day 1-June 3rd) and Wednesdays (1-2 pm MST) with self-guided work throughout the week. Mondays will be held in person (with a hybrid option for those who are participating out of state), all Wednesday sessions will be virtual. There is no cost for this program. Potential scholar benefits include being matched with paid research assistant positions, discounted membership to the Society of Family Planning, and access to conference travel scholarships.

All scholars will have a primary scientific mentor and a community-based mentor. Scholars will participate in a mentored research practicum. All participants will have the opportunity to present aspects of their mentored research at an end-of-series conference of their peers, interested scholars, mentors, and community members hosted by the ASCENT Center.  In addition to the end-of-summer presentation, Scholars will also have the opportunity to produce a research brief, newspaper editorial, or contribution to a publishable manuscript.

Reproductive Justice
Values clarification on Abortion
Social science perspectives on reproductive health
Reproductive Justice Framework
Current Issues in Abortion and Contraception
Full Spectrum Doula Care and Abortion Funds
Reproductive Health
Emergency Contraception (partnership with ASEC)
Reproductive Health for Sexual & Gender Expansive Individuals
Sexuality, Pleasure, and Reproductive Health
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Provision
Contraception and Chronic Disease
Reproductive Rights
State and National Abortion Laws
Criminalization of Pregnancy

TRAP Laws
Foundational Research Curricula
Grant Writing 101
Statistical Methods
Dissemination, Implementation and Evaluation
Scholarly Engagement & Advocacy
Advanced training in Community Engaged Research Methods
Participatory Design
Clinical Shadowing
Hands-on simulation
Mini-Immersion Experiences
Scholar Strategy Network Training
Society of Family Planning Trainings and Conference
Examples of Topics Covered

Commitment will vary between 10 and 20 hours per week, depending on the IEP, individual interest, program requirements, and mentor agreement.

If you are interested in participating, apply here.

Contact Erica.Torres@hsc.utah.edu  or Jessica.sanders@hsc.utah.edu with any questions.

Important Application Dates:

Application Deadline April 15th, 2024

Notification of Selection April 17th, 2024

Applicant Commitment May 1st, 2024

Published in P1, P2, P3, P4, Post Docs/Graduate Students, Student Affairs