Rositch selected as Fogarty Scholar
| June 22, 2009 | |
Anne Rositch
Anne E. Rositch, doctoral student in epidemiology, was selected this spring as a Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholar. Beginning in July, she will live in Nairobi, Kenya, for about a year, contributing to a study that focuses on human papillomavirus, cervical precancerous lesions and HIV transmission. Under the auspices of The University of Washington at Seattle and The University of Nairobi, Rositch will conduct research ancillary to a study led by Jennifer Smith, PhD, UNC research assistant professor of epidemiology and Rositch’s mentor. Rositch will be involved in all aspects of the study, including recruitment, interviews and laboratory coordination, and hopes to conduct HIV testing and counseling in the University of Nairobi’s infectious disease and HIV clinic. “As a Fogarty Scholar, I look forward to broadening my research skills so I can successfully contribute to international research that aims to improve global health,” Rositch says. “This experience will expose me to aspects of people and health that are subjective and dynamic – things that can’t be taught (or learned) in a classroom. I know this year in Kenya and my work in the HIV clinic will be extremely eye-opening and will provide a new perspective and motivation for my education and research.” Smith said that Rositch is a good choice for the program. “Anne is an intellectual and conscientious professional with a focused interest in conducting meaningful work as an epidemiologist,” Smith said. “Participating in the Fogarty program will provide her with an exceptional opportunity to develop international field-based research skills and build international research collaborations.” Andy Olshan, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology, added, “The department is especially proud to have our students successfully compete for prestigious awards, such as this one. The award represents [Anne’s] outstanding work and potential as well as the excellent mentorship provided by Dr. Smith. The proposed project on HPV, HIV and cervical disease is timely and of significance.” The Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Program (FICRS) was initiated in 2003 as a one-year, mentored training experience to provide opportunities for U.S. graduate students in the health professions to participate in clinical research and have hands-on experience at top-ranked, National Institutes of Health-funded international research centers. The program aims to foster the next generation of clinical investigators with an eye toward building international health research collaborations in the developing world. As of March 2009, five cohorts of scholars have engaged in mentored international clinical research, including 128 U.S. scholars and 123 foreign scholars at the international locations. For more information about the Fogarty program, visit http://www.fogartyscholars.org/scholars. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, or ramona_dubose@unc.edu. |
