FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The mission of the Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence (CoE) in Vector-Borne Diseases (PacVec) is to enhance the capacity of the southwestern United States to respond to threats from vector-borne diseases that affect human health. The mission will be achieved through a combination of research, training, and collaboration with public health and vector control agencies at all levels. The CoE is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

PACVEC TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM

Proposals are invited for training grants that are consistent with the CoE mission and should address themes relevant for public-health policy. The training grant program offers two award types:

Curricular Enhancement in Public-Health Entomology
Mentored Research for Students and Postdoctoral Scholars

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Proposals are invited for summer internship opportunities that are consistent with the CoE mission and should address themes relevant for public-health policy. Proposals for this award type must involve undergraduate summer internships that offer opportunities for practical training and experience in public-health entomology or related fields. Proposed internships should address one or more of the research priorities identified by CDC (see Appendix).

Typically, undergraduate interns gain experience through summer work with a partner mosquito/vector control or public health agency, followed by on-campus experience in laboratory methods, data analysis and scientific writing that is directed by the project mentor. Ideally, projects would culminate in networking opportunities and a presentation of results at a state or regional vector control or public health meeting.

These internships are intended to provide career development opportunities for individuals interested in public-health-relevant research on vector-borne diseases. Consistent with CDC’s commitment to build an inclusive STEM workforce, efforts should also be described in the proposal for ensuring that the program reaches the most diverse student audience possible, including efforts to involve under-represented populations.

Preference will be given to projects that involve the following: (1) collaboration with public health or vector control agencies, and (2) matching funds from collaborating agencies or the investigators’ institution.

The Pacific Southwest Regional Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases is supported through Cooperative Agreement Number 1U01CK000649 between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the University of California, Davis.