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Trainee Support Program

In 2024, THI introduced a new HIV research training initiative focused on supporting postdoctoral fellows at UC San Diego. Leveraging various funding sources, including endowed funds, this initiative is designed to support trainees conducting research across diverse fields such as clinical, virological, epidemiological, immunological, and socio-behavioral studies. The overall goal of our program is to support training and advance the careers of new leaders in HIV research.

Initially, the funds will prioritize providing supplemental, non-federal support for recipients of federal fellowships to bridge the gap between federal grant funding and University of California (UC) salaries, commonly referred to as the "salary delta." This gap has become more pronounced due to the 2023 contracts negotiated by the UAW for Academic Researchers, Postdoctoral Scholars, Graduate Student Researchers, and Academic Student Employees, which have significantly increased salary expectations.

This year, we have provided $168,000 to support six fellows HIV research (two from the HOPE T32 program established by Dr. Richman in 1990 and four from the Substance Use, HIV, and Related Infections T32 program) across the UC San Diego Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health.

Looking forward, the initiative may also extend funding to support HIV research projects led by UCSD-affiliated investigators. The funding available for awards each year will depend on the funds generated and expended in the previous year.

Below are the recipients of the HIV Institute T32 Trainee Support Initiative.

  • Katie Bailey, PhD

    Katie Bailey, PhD

    Research Project: Implementation strategies to advance HIV and prevention services delivery via U.S. syringe services programs.
  • Renatta Bobadilla, MD

    Renatta Bobadilla, MD

    Research Project: Harnessing HIV- specific tissue resident cellsS (HS-TRTC) for clearing HIV reservoirs.
  • Renee El-Krab, PhD

    Renee El-Krab, PhD

    Research Project: Psychosocial and Economic Predictors of Substance Use Among HIV-Infected Individuals in the US.
  • Jesse Goldshear, PhD, MPH

    Jesse Goldshear, PhD, MPH

    Research Project: Impact of the prolonged methadone factory closure in Mexico on HIV outcomes among people who use drugs in Tijuana.
  • Nicole Kelly, PhD, MPH

    Nicole Kelly, PhD, MPH

    Research Project: Characterizing the mental health and HIV care continuum needs and missed opportunities for low-barrier integrated care among housing-insecure transgender and nonbinary community members.
  • Lily Ostrer, MD

    Lily Ostrer, MD

    Research Project: Modeling Potential Impact of HIV Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Treatment among People Who Inject Drugs in India.