Modelers and Storytellers: Transdisciplinary Training to Advance Community Health Intervention Research

About the Modelers and Storytellers Transdisciplinary Training 

In public health, there has been increased interest in using community-engaged approaches to develop “multilevel interventions.” Evaluating the impact of such interventions is challenging because it is often not feasible to use randomized controlled trial design.

Systems science and data science methods have been proposed as an alternative for evaluating such interventions by allowing researchers to investigate the complex causal mechanisms that shape health outcomes and inequities, then simulate the potential impact. Applying these methodologies effectively typically requires researchers trained in diverse disciplines (such as community health, sociology, economics, medicine, biostatistics, and computer science) to integrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

The Modelers and Storytellers Transdisciplinary Training is a two-week virtual summer research education program that will prepare predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees as well as early-career researchers to apply systems and/or data science methods to community-engaged health disparities research. The goal is to accelerate the translation of research into practice to address real-world, complex health issues especially as they relate to health disparities.

Students and researchers from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to public health, statistics, computer science, systems engineering, or related fields, who are interested in identifying and addressing health disparities are encouraged to apply.

Launched in Summer 2023, the Modelers and Storytellers Transdisciplinary Training provides 75 trainees over the course of three years (25 per cohort) with knowledge and skills necessary for applying systems science and data science methods. Additionally, 10 trainees a year interested in gaining more hands-on experience will participate in a one-week practicum experience following the training.

Summer 2025 Training Details

• Dates: Monday, June 16-Wednesday, July 2, 2025

• Schedule: M-F; 8:30am - 2:30pm Pacific Standard Time

• Format: Live via Zoom

• Participant expectation: Available to attend all sessions

• Cost: None

Optional Summer 2025 Practicum Details

• Dates: Monday, July 7-Friday, July 11, 2025
   
• Schedule: M-F; 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Pacific Standard Time
   
• Format: Live (at UCLA Campus) or Virtual (via Zoom)
   
• Participant expectation: must attend all sessions
   
• Cost: None

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Be a US citizen or permanent resident

2. Education (must meet ONE of the following):

   • Have a doctoral degree within the past 7 years

   • Be a current doctoral student

   • Be an incoming doctoral student starting Fall 2025

Interested students and researchers should submit an online application HERE.

Applications will open January 13, 2025 and the priority deadline is February 28, 2025.

Program Leadership