Baltimore HIV/AIDS Scholars Program Application
The Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is committed to developing the next generation of diverse
HIV/AIDS investigators to conduct clinical, behavioral and implementation research.
Program Overview
The Baltimore HIV/AIDS Scholars Program was established in 2012 to promote the development of promising undergraduate,
ethnic minority students into HIV/AIDS investigators. Students conduct research under the direct mentorship of established
Johns Hopkins researchers with the purpose of advancing science in the fields HIV prevention and treatment that are
specifically of relevance to the HIV epidemic in Baltimore City. Mentors will be drawn from the schools of Medicine, Nursing
and Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The ten week program runs from the end of May through the first week of August. During this time, interns work with faculty
on research projects in their field of interest. In addition, interns will attend HIV/AIDS oriented seminars and professional
development sessions.
Applicants will include rising sophomores and juniors, and will be selected by a committee comprised of faculty and
community representatives from the CFAR. Students from underrepresented ethnic minority groups and those from
economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in careers in science, public health or medicine are strongly
encouraged to apply. The program is open to all undergraduate majors. CFAR provides a stipend of $3,500.00 per student.
Housing is not provided; however it is available to those admitted on the undergraduate campus. The University has a shuttle
service that provides convenient transportation between the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and the Homewood campus.
Your specific research project will depend largely on research areas of our faculty. Overall, you can expect an experience similar
to that of a first-year graduate student who does a three-month rotation in a laboratory or out in the community to become
acquainted with the project, techniques, and people working in that area. On arrival each intern typically receives several
papers related to his or her specific research project. The goal of the project and its relationship to other work in the area will be
discussed, and you will be instructed in the techniques necessary to conduct the research. As each technique is mastered, the
responsibilities for seeing the procedure through will rest increasingly with you. Besides daily interactions with others at the
project site, most groups have a more formal meeting once or twice a week to discuss research problems, and progress and
developments reported in the literature. While the style and character of each research site varies considerably, all are
composed of very dedicated and hardworking individuals who are more than willing to help others who are similarly
committed to learning. The program culminates with the development of a scientific abstract and poster presentation. The
posters are presented to CFAR at the conclusion of the program and to the university community the following spring at a
CFAR sponsored conference.
This summer internship program requires a full-time commitment. Interns should be prepared for long days and short
weekends. CFAR advises students not to take academic classes or hold primary employment during the internship. There are
no vacations during the program.
We ask that interested students fill out an application describing relevant course work, research experience and future plans
regarding a career in science or health (application attached). Applications are due by February 1st of the year you wish to
participate (earlier submission is strongly encouraged). The Baltimore Scholars Program Faculty Committee will make the
best matches and inform both faculty and applicant on a rolling admission basis. This is a select group. We anticipate that 15
internships will be available for the summer of 2013.
Applicants will be informed of their status by March 2013.
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The Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research
Baltimore HIV/AIDS Scholars Program
The research opportunities available are described below – please indicate two areas you wish to be considered for (your
application may be reviewed by more than one committee).
1. Bioethics and Human Rights - Baltimore Community Engagement Intern
The intern will explore ethical models of community engagement for health research (especially HIV/AIDS research)
conducted by Johns Hopkins scientists with communities and populations in Baltimore. Tasks may include literature
reviews, attendance at meetings with a variety of stakeholders, and assistance with activities of empirical research and
conceptual analysis. Intern will have the opportunity to gain locally relevant awareness of ethical issues in health
research. Qualified applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal,
organizational, and problem-solving skills, and strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
applications. Additional qualities desired are high levels of personal interest, curiosity, and openness to experience
regarding Baltimore’s history and contemporary civic life.
2. Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology Intern
The intern will perform molecular and cellular techniques to research host responses to retroviral infection and
determinants of pathogenesis. Tasks may include isolation, culture, and experimental treatment of blood cell subtypes;
measurement and characterization of submicron-sized particles in blood and other biofluids by nanoparticle tracking
analysis; and quantitation of coding and non-coding RNA molecules by real-time quantitative polymerase chain
reaction. Interns will have the opportunity to analyze data, participate in and contribute to weekly lab meetings and
journal clubs, and report internally and externally on the outcomes of their research. Interns should have basic
computer skills, including an ability to use Excel and Word to prepare graphs and reports. Experience with pipetting
and sterile technique and familiarity with statistics are preferred but not required.
3. Neurology and Brain Sciences Intern
The intern will explore elucidating the role of key macrophage host cell factors that are critical for HIV replication and
neuropathogenesis using cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches. Current studies are focused on the role of
osteopontin (OPN) in regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and function in macrophages and uncovering the
molecular mechanisms by which OPN stimulates HIV replication in this cell type. OPN is upregulated in several
neurodegenerative diseases including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) however its role in these
pathogenic processes is not understood. Studies are underway to begin to fill this gap in knowledge. A second active
area of investigation is to identify and study the molecular mechanisms for the establishment and maintenance of latent
HIV reservoirs in tissue macrophages/microglia.
4.
Women living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS Intern
The intern will explore populations at risk for HIV/AIDS in Baltimore City and assist with the development of a
community advisory board for a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Prevention Study among women at risk for HIV infection.
The intern will also explore today's clinical challenges with the management of HIV/AIDS by shadowing a nurse
practitioner in the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service. Tasks may include literature reviews, attendance at meetings with a
variety of stakeholders, and assistance with activities of empirical research and conceptual analysis. Intern will have
the opportunity to gain locally relevant awareness of the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. Qualified
applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal, organizational, and
problem-solving skills, and strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Additional
qualities desired are high levels of personal interest, curiosity, and openness to experience regarding Baltimore’s history
and contemporary civic life including working with at risk populations such as female sex workers and substance users.
5.
HIV Transmission Dynamics in Baltimore Intern
The intern will be engaged in a program project designed to decrease HIV transmission in Baltimore through the
identification of high transmission areas. This project is funded by the CDC and is a collaborative project between the
Center for Child and Community Health and the Baltimore City Health Department. Tasks may include geocoding of
public health surveillance data, the mapping of geographic as well as social distances between target populations,
communication with outreach and disease investigation specialists, outreach with primary care providers located in
high transmission areas, attendance at meetings with a variety of stakeholders, assistance with activities of empirical
research and conceptual analyses, and other tasks as needed. Qualified candidates must have excellent oral and written
communication skills, strong interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills, flexibility, strong computer skills
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including a proficiency in Word and Excel (or similar applications). Previous experience with geographic information
systems (GIS) is preferred; a willingness and commitment to learning GIS is also preferred.
6. The AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) Study Intern
The Intern will work on a research project within a longitudinal cohort study among current and former injection drug
users (IDUs) in Baltimore that has been ongoing since 1988. Tasks may range from literature review to data collection,
analyzing data, summarizing findings and generating reports. Interns must have strong computer skills including Excel,
Word and PowerPoint. Basic d ata analysis skills and experience with a statistical program such as STATA or SAS is a
benefit but not a requirement.
7. Project Connect Baltimore – GIS Intern
The intern’s tasks may include geocoding and mapping of public health surveillance data and/or youth based
organizations, attendance at meetings with a variety of stakeholders, assistance with activities of empirical research and
conceptual analyses, and other tasks as needed. Qualified candidates must have excellent oral and written
communication skills, strong interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills, flexibility, strong computer skills
including a proficiency in Word and Excel (or similar applications). Previous experience with geographic information
systems (GIS) is preferred; a willingness and commitment to learning GIS is also preferred.
8. Project Connect Baltimore – Intervention Development Intern
The intern’s tasks may include conducting quantitative and qualitative data analyses, collating information for the
development of a youth guide of places that provide sexual and reproductive health services, and developing the youth
guide as well as the training materials associated with the guide. Qualified candidates must have people skills,
organizational and problem-solving skills, data entry experience, and experience conducting (or willingness to learn)
quantitative or qualitative data analyses. Experience with web or phone applications is a plus.
9.
BESURE - HIV Behavioral Research and Outreach Intern
Interns will assist with the implementation of HIV behavioral surveillance and venue-based HIV testing among
communities at high risk for HIV in the city of Baltimore. Tasks will include data collection, outreach, and
dissemination activities. Interns may be involved in formative research interviews and focus groups, individual
interviews, and venue based HIV testing outreach, and will have the opportunity to analyze data and produce reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office required and experience with SAS or STATA helpful.
10. HIV Research Network Intern
The intern will serve as a research assistant at the Data Coordinating Center for a national, multi-site HIV research
project. Duties will include assisting the program manager and data programmer in exporting data from various
programs including CV, Excel and Access into SQL Server using Microsoft Visual Studio. Responsibilities will also
include data cleaning and tracking data that needs to be loaded, has been loaded, or data that has errors. Additional
responsibilities may include assisting the program manager with materials needed for conferences and meetings,
updating the website or assisting the principal investigators with other study-related projects. Essential Job Functions
include performing tasks that assist the HIVRN team with the processing and cleaning of data and assemble meeting
materials. Experience with Microsoft Access and Excel and some research experience either hands on or through
coursework. Data management experience is a plus, but not required.
11. Violence and Human Rights Violations: Intersections with HIV Intern
Intern will assist with analysis and dissemination to support multiple studies related to HIV risk and infection among
high risk women, including those involved in sex work. Substantively the work will focus on gender-based violence
and other health and human rights violations as determinants of risk. Tasks to include working with community
collaborators, preparation of data for reports and manuscripts, intervention development, and dissemination activities.
Interns will have the opportunity to be involved in data analysis and report production. Proficiency with Microsoft
Office required. Experience with SAS or STATA helpful, and experience with violence-related prevention and/or
crisis support helpful.
12. HIV Innate Immunology Intern
The intern will perform molecular and cellular laboratory research techniques to investigate host innate immune
responses to HIV infection leading to systemic inflammation and medical complications of HIV. Tasks may include
isolation of, siRNA knockdown in, and experimental treatment of blood cell subtypes; measurement and
characterization of innate immune responses to HIV infection that lead to inflammation utilizing ELISA measurement
of inflammatory cytokines; and quantitation of inflammatory cytokine mRNA by real-time quantitative polymerase
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chain reaction. Interns will have the opportunity to perform bench research, to analyze data, to participate in and
contribute to weekly lab meetings and journal clubs, and to report internally and externally on the outcomes of their
research. Interns should have basic computer skills, including an ability to use Excel and Word to prepare graphs and
reports. Experience with pipetting and sterile technique is preferred but not required.
13. Prevention for HIV Positive Drug Users Intern
The intern will be engaged in a behavioral intervention designed to train HIV positive drug users to improve their
access and adherence to HIV medical care, conduct outreach to HIV positive peers to promote risk reduction and
improved care and recruit social networks for HIV testing. Tasks may include assisting investigators with process
evaluation activities, data cleaning, geocoding participant data, developing study protocols, attending investigator and
staff meetings and other tasks as needed. Qualified candidates must have excellent written and oral communication
and organizational skills. Additionally, qualified candidates must be open to working with disadvantaged and
marginalized populations and with a diverse research staff. Strong computer skills desired. Experience with statistical
analysis and/or GIS preferred.
14. HIV and Pediatrics Intern
The intern will be engaged in laboratory work. Potential studies include latency and viral quantitation, immune
activation, genotyping, and sequencing. The intern will also receive training around antiretroviral drug resistance and
virus evolution in infected youth.
15. Baltimore City Department of Public Health Syringe Exchange Program Intern
The Community Risk Reduction Services intern will assist with several current evaluation projects with new initiatives
at the Baltimore City Needle Exchange and the Staying Alive overdose prevention program. Projects include a pilot
program examining the effectiveness of transitional housing for homeless, recently sober drug users on maintaining
sobriety. The second is a new overdose prevention program that distributes intranasal naloxone. Naloxone reverses the
effects of opiate overdose and has been distributed by the Staying Alive program in an intramuscular form for the past 7
years. The intern may assist with data collection, program development, service delivery, and data analysis under the
guidance of Johns Hopkins SPH faculty, Dr. Susan Sherman. Experience with SAS or STATA as well as experience
in working with marginalized populations.
Contact
Jordan J. White, MS
Program Director
Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research
615 North Wolfe Street – E6534, Baltimore, MD 21205
jwhite@jhmi.edu | 410.502.2039
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DEADLINE: February 1
INTERNSHIP PREFERENCE
1._____________________________________________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Current Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State: _____________ Zipcode: _______________
Permanent Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________ State: _____________ Zipcode: _______________
Current Telephone: ______________ Permanent Telephone: _______________ Cell Phone: _______________
E-mail: _______________________________________
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
Year/Level: ___________________________________________
Major: ___________________
GPA: _________________
JHU Advisor’s Name / Email: ______________________________________
Department: _________________________________________
Have you applied to JHU School of Medicine, Nursing or Bloomberg School of Public Health:__________________
SKILLS
_____ WORD
_____ SPSS
_____ STATA
_____ ENDNOTE
_____ EXCEL
_____ NVIVO
_____ SPSS
_____ GIS
_____ ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
HEALTH AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Do you currently have health insurance? ________________________________
Health Insurance Carrier: ____________________________________________
Policy Number: _________________________
Emergency Contact Name & Telephone:
______________________________________________________________________
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_____ REFWORKS
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The following questions relate to the University’s voluntary efforts to enhance diversity in keeping with its education and
research missions. They provide important data for assessment of our diversity initiatives and assist us in matching program
applicants with appropriate funding sources. This information is not used in making any admission decision. All information
is confidential.
Date of Birth: _________________
Sex: _____ Male
_____ Female
Citizenship: _____________________________________
Please indicate the group(s) listed below to which you belong:
Ethnic: ____Hispanic or Latino
___ Not Hispanic or Latino
Racial Identifiers:
___ Alaskan Native
___ American Indian
___ Black/African American
___ Chinese
___ Filipino
___ Hispanic/Other (including Cuban)
___ Indian/Pakistani
___ Japanese
___ Korean
___ Mexican American/Chicano
___ Native Hawaiian
___ Other Asian
Disadvantaged Groups:
___ First Generation College
___ Low/moderate Income
___ Other Pacific Islander
___ Puerto Rican (Mainland)
___ Puerto Rican (Commonwealth)
___ Southeast Asian
___ White/Caucasian
Baltimore City Affiliation:
___ Born in Baltimore City
___ Attended/Graduate of Baltimore City Public High School
___ Attended Private School in Baltimore City
___ JHU Baltimore Scholar
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Using a separate sheet, please describe your interest in the Baltimore HIV/AIDS Scholars Program, including your academic
and research background, accomplishments and future science career plans and goals. Two Page Limit. Please be sure to include
your name on each page of your application.
ACTIVITIES
Using a separate sheet, please send resume that includes a list significant extracurricular activities in which you have been
involved. Include specific events or accomplishment in areas such as publication, student government, music, sports, church or
community activities. List the Activity, Year of Participation, and Position Held and/or Honors Won. One Page Limit.
TRANSCRIPT & RECOMMENDATION
The Recommendation Form should be submitted by the February 1 deadline and signed the recommender. Letters may be
brought to the School of Public Health or scanned signed copies may be sent to jwhite@jhmi.edu . An unofficial transcript
from the registrar is required with the application. We will contact your department advisor to sort out any discrepancies.
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