SOAR is an intensive academic mentorship program with many benefits and requirements, all aimed at developing the next generation of HIV/AIDS behavioral and social science researchers.
Activities include HIV-focused research experiences with U-M faculty mentors, required classes, and ongoing mentorship.
Program Activities & Requirements
During their junior year, SOAR Scholars:
- Are matched with a SOAR Faculty Research Mentor and participate in research activities for 10 hours per week for the full academic year
- Engage with a community of student researchers by enrolling in the required year-long seminar course, WGS 377 / PUBHLTH 357 - Behavioral and Social Science Research in HIV: Methods and Perspectives for SGM Communities (Fall & Winter, 3 credits/term)
- Present a poster of secondary data analysis at the annual Dr. John Lamont Peterson Annual Research Symposium (held in spring).
- Participate in the SOAR Graduate School Preparation Session (4 weeks in person in May)
- Complete a summer research experience or internship (equivalent of 8 weeks in June-July)
- Meet with the SOAR academic counselor at least once per semester to discuss goal-setting, program progress, and holistic well-being
- Are matched with and have regular meetings with a SOAR Graduate Student Mentor
- Attend monthly SOAR Suppers to discuss paths to graduate school and holistic support
During senior year, SOAR Scholars:
- Apply to at least one doctoral program in the social or behavioral sciences
- Prepare application materials for Ph.D. programs
- Serve as a peer mentor for incoming SOAR students
- Conduct informational interviews with graduate program faculty in areas and institutions of interest
- Continue research activities independently
- Engage with a community of student researchers by enrolling in the mandatory year-long seminar course, PUBHLTH 457 / WGS 482 - Translating HIV Research into Policy and Practice for SGM Communities (2 credits in Fall, 1 credit in Winter).
- Give an oral research presentation on policy or practice at the annual Dr. John Lamont Peterson Annual Research Symposium (held in spring).
- Meet with the SOAR academic counselor at least once per semester to discuss goal-setting, program progress, and holistic well-being
- Have regular meetings with their SOAR Graduate Student Mentor
Benefits:
- Mentored research experiences with leading scholars in behavioral and social science research related to HIV/AIDS and/or SGM communities
- Students are eligible to receive payment for the research experiences during the academic year.
- Students may be eligible to earn independent study credits for mentored research experiences during the academic year.
- Academic credit (9 total credits) for required courses
- Graduate school preparation & access to a GRE prep course
- Experience presenting at a research conference, with travel, lodging, and conference registration fees paid
- Spring living stipend (in between junior and senior year)
- Summer funding for SOAR research experiences (in between junior and senior year)
- Exclusive use of a personal laptop and free printing for the two years of the program
- Lane Hall study & lounge space exclusively for SOAR students
- Support from SOAR directors, staff, graduate student mentors, peer mentors, and faculty research mentors
- Community building activities and holistic support
The SOAR Team:
Gary Harper, Ph.D., M.P.H. (he/him) - Co-Director & Research Director; Professor of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health- Anna Kirkland, J.D., Ph.D. (she/her) - Co-Director & Academic Director; Director, Institute for Research on Women & Gender; Professor of Women's & Gender Studies
- Andrea Bolivar, Ph.D. (she/her) - Education Director; Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies; Faculty Associate of Latina/o Studies Program
- Heidi Bennett, M.A. (she/her) - Project Coordinator & Academic Counselor
- Gabriel Johnson, M.P.H. (he/him) - Graduate & Undergraduate Peer Mentor Coordinator; PhD Student, Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health
- Nicole Perry (she/her) - Administrative Coordinator
Ready to SOAR?
Join our email list or contact Heidi Bennett, Project Coordinator at soar.info@umich.edu for more information
