BSE Professor Receives NIH Native American Research Centers for Health Grant

Dr. Sixia Chen, Assistant Professor from Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, has received NIH Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH11) grant as the PI and Project Lead for the following project “Using a novel machine learning based data integration procedure to understand Cherokee Nation Community population health”.

The NARCH program supports opportunities for conducting research and career enrichment to meet health needs prioritized by American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes or tribally based organizations. It aims

• to work toward reducing health disparities in AI/AN populations by allowing the AI/AN communities to control and prioritize the health research and career enhancement opportunities.
• to support health research projects selected and prioritized by the AI/AN communities.
• to encourage research capacity and infrastructure building within AI/AN communities to provide the framework for sustainability of research within the tribal communities.
• to enhance health research partnerships while promoting a cadre of scientists and health research professionals interested in AI/AN health research from within and outside the AI/AN communities.

NARCH Awards Promote:

• Research activities that are directly linked to health concerns selected by the tribal communities.
• Research experience and education for biomedical research careers related to AI/AN health.
• AI/AN engagement in biomedical research prioritized by the tribal communities.
• Local and regional professional and administrative employment for American Indians and Alaska Natives.