Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education Heersink School of Medicine

Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education

  • About GRIT

    • Grant Writing Intensive Program
      Grant Writing Intensive Program

      The Grant Writing Intensive (GRIT) program is a year-long practicum designed to empower UAB faculty with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure extramural research funding.

      Program Structure

      • Participants are part of small, focused cohorts of 4-6 individuals.
      • Each cohort meets weekly under the guidance of an experienced coach.
      • The program begins with 6 months of structured weekly activities, followed by one-on-one sessions as needed for the remainder of the year.
      • Participants write and refine one extramural research proposal to be submitted upon program completion.

      Program Topics

      Weekly sessions are a blend of didactic instruction and practical activities, covering topics including but not limited to:

      • Navigating the NIH
      • Contacting Your Program Officer
      • Project Management for Proposal Development
      • Building Collaborative Teams
      • Conducting Literature Reviews
      • Graphics and Figures to Enhance Storytelling
      • Selling Your Significance & Innovation
      • Biostatistics
      • Budgets, and more!

      Program Benefits

      • Structured Curriculum: GRIT provides a structured environment that promotes learning and application of best practices in grant writing.
      • Individualized Feedback and Support: Participants receive personalized feedback and support from their dedicated coach.
      • Accountability: Being part of a cohort fosters a sense of accountability, enhancing the learning experience and boosting motivation.

      Program Fee

      The GRIT Program Fee for 2024 cohort participants is $4500, due upon enrollment.

      Some GRIT participants use start-up or professional development funds to cover the cost of their participation, while others receive sponsorship from their department, division, or center. Please discuss with your Chair to explore funding options that may be available to you.

    • Eligibility

      The GRIT program is open to UAB faculty members and select postdoctoral researchers who are pursuing extramural career development (K-series) or research (R-series) awards. Cohorts are grouped based on career stage and research focus area to provide tailored support and guidance. The curriculum is heavily focused towards NIH applications, but applicants are welcome to pursue comparable federal or foundation funding during the GRIT program.

    • Application and Enrollment Process
      Application and Enrollment Process

      1. Introductory Call: If you’re interested in participating in GRIT, schedule an introductory call using this link. During this discussion with program leadership, we’ll delve into your research career and proposal development plans. This call will help determine if the GRIT program aligns with your grant writing goals.

      2. Online Application: After completing the introductory call, you can formally apply for the GRIT program. The application involves uploading a biosketch and a specific aims page for your proposed project. If you’d like feedback on your specific aims page before submitting your application, please email  Blakely O’Connor.

      3. Evaluation: Our team reviews applications based on merit and readiness to benefit from the GRIT program. Select applicants receive invitations to participate in a panel review, where they receive constructive feedback on their proposals. Together, the panel assesses whether applicants are prepared to enroll in GRIT.

      4. Admission Decision: Within two weeks of the panel review, applicants either receive invitations to enroll in GRIT or receive feedback on how to prepare for future enrollment.

      5. Enrollment: If invited, applicants join the GRIT program and are assigned to a group of near peers at the same career stage, along with a dedicated group coach. Participants will receive an invoice for their program fee, due upon enrollment.

      Upcoming Cohorts

      The GRIT program is offered twice a year, with the Fall cohorts beginning in August and the Spring cohorts beginning in February. It is ideal to enroll in a cohort at least 5 months before your submission due date, though exceptions can be made.

      We are now recruiting for the Fall 2024 GRIT cohorts slated to begin in August. This cycle is ideal for applicants pursing NIH K- or R-series grants or comparable with a due date of January 2025 or later.

      Key dates for the Fall 2024 application cycle:

      • Introductory calls with program leadership: April – June 2024
      • Applications Due: Friday, June 21st
      • Panel Reviews (Invitation only): June – July 2024
      • Admission Decision Notification: Friday August July 26th
      • Enrollment Deadline: Friday August 12th
      • Fall ’24 Cohort Intensive Begins: Week of August 12th
      • Fall ’24 Cohort Intensive Ends: Week of Jan 13th

  • GRIT Successes:

    • Year 1: 2018

      Tiffany Carson, PhD, MPH

      Tiffany Carson, PhD, MPH

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2018

      National Cancer Institute
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2021-2025
      Project Title: Determining the structural- and functional-level effects of diet-specific interventions on the gut microbiota of a diverse sample of Southern United States adults

      National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2021-202
      Project Title: Improving weight loss outcomes of black women using a culturally relevant, stress management enhancement behavioral weight loss intervention

      Crystal Chapman Lambert, PhD

      Crystal Chapman Lambert, PhD

      School of Nursing
      GRIT Cohort 2018

      National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2019-2023
      Project Title: Feasibility of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention for Black Women Living
      with HIV

      Bertha Hidalgo PhD, MPH

      Bertha Hidalgo PhD, MPH

      School of Public Health
      GRIT Cohort 2018

      National Heart Lung & Blood Institute
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2022-2025
      Project Title: Epigenetic biomarkers of preeclampsia risk among mothers with chronic hypertension

      Christina Muzny, MD

      Christina Muzny, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2018

      National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
      Grant Mechanism: R21
      Years Funded: 2021-2023
      Project Title: The Impact of Testosterone Use on the Vaginal Microbiota in Transgender Men, including Susceptibility to Bacterial Vaginosis

      National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2020-2025
      Project Title: Microbial Interactions between Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Atopobium Prior to Incident Bacterial Vaginosis

      Aadia Rana, MD

      Aadia Rana, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2017

      National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2018-2023
      Project Title: Geographic Variability in Time from HIV Diagnosis to Viral Suppression in the Deep South: A Roadmap to Accelerated Treatment Initiation

    • Year 2: 2019

      Nicole Bentley, MD

      Nicole Bentley, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2021-2026
      Project Title: Investigating Inhibitory Control Networks in Parkinson's Disease

      Kaylee Crockett, PhD

      Kaylee Crockett, PhD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Heart Lung & Blood Institute
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2021-2026
      Project Title: Adaptation and Pilot Testing a Behavioral Physical Activity Intervention with Peer Support for Women with HIV and Co-Occurring Hypertension

      Latesha Elopre, MD

      Latesha Elopre, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Institute of Mental Health
      Grant Mechanism: R34
      Years Funded: 2021-2024
      Project Title:       PrEP 4 Her: Developing a Novel Strategy to Implement PrEP into Women's Healthcare

      Faith Fletcher, PhD

      Faith Fletcher, PhD

      School of Public Health
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Human Genome Research Institute
      Grant Mechanism: K01
      Years Funded: 2021-2024
      Project Title:
      Developing Evidence-Based Guidance for Engaging Rural Residents in the Deep South in Genomics Research: A Stakeholder-Driven Perspective

      Trisha Parekh, DO

      Trisha Parekh, DO

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Heart Lung & Blood Institute
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2020-2025
      Project Title: Development of a Community Health Worker-Led Stress Reduction Intervention for Low-Income COPD Patients

      Gabrielle Rocque, MD

      Gabrielle Rocque, MD

      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Institute of Nursing Research
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2021-2026
      Project Title: Evaluating the implementation and impact of navigator-delivered ePRO home symptom monitoring and management

      Michael Seifert, MD

      Michael Seifert, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2019

      National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2020-2025
      Project Title: Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers of Endpoints in Pediatric Renal Transplantation

    • Year 3: 2020

      Ronnie "Matt" Gravett, MD

      Ronnie "Matt" Gravett, MD

      GRIT Cohort 2020

      National Institute of Mental Health
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2022-2027
      Project Title: Amplifying Our Voice: Understanding HIV PrEP Promotional Messaging to Create Authentic PrEP Content by Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep Sout      h

      Karin Hardiman, MD, PhD

      Karin Hardiman, MD, PhD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2020

      National Cancer Institute
      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2022-2027
      Project Title: A novel, transferable sialylation-mediated mechanism of chemoradioresistance in GI cancer

      Samantha Hill, MD

      Samantha Hill, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2020

      National Institute of Mental Health
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2022-2027
      Project Title: Integration of Trusted Adult Supports into the HealthMpowerment App to Improve Black Adolescent and Young Adult PrEP Use

      Brandi Pernell, DNP

      Brandi Pernell, DNP

      GRIT Cohort 2020

      School of Medicine
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2022-2027
      Project Title: Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Children with Sickle Cell Disease for Improved Health Outcomes

      Caroline Presley, MD, MPH

      Caroline Presley, MD, MPH

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2020

      National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2022-2025
      Project Title: Mindfulness-Based Diabetes Education for adults with elevated diabetes distress

      Rachel Sinkey, MD

      Rachel Sinkey, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2020

      American Heart Association
      Grant Mechanism: Health Equity Research Network on Prevention of Hypertension (HERN)
      Years Funded: 2022-2026
      Project Title: P3 Providing an Optimized and emPowered Pregnancy for You (POPPY)

      National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2022-2027

      Project Title: The ACHIEVE Trial: Achieving longer gestation in preeclampsia via antihypertensive therapy.

       

    • Year 4: 2021

      Abigail Hernandez, PhD

      Abigail Hernandez, PhD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2021

      Grant Mechanism: K99
      Years Funded: 2022- 2027
      Project Title: Influence of gut on metabolism and cognition in Alzheimer's disease

      Ashley Holder, MD

      Ashley Holder, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2021

      Melanoma Research Foundation
      Grant Mechanism: Young Investigator Research Team Award
      Years Funded: 2022- 2024
      Project Title: Macrophage Regulation of the Tumor Microenvironment in Metastatic Melanoma

      American College of Surgeons
      Grant Mechanism: George H. A. Clowes, Jr., MD, FACS, Memorial Research Career Development Award
      Years Funded: 2021-2026
      Project Title: Macrophage Regulation of the Tumor Microenvironment in Metastatic Melanoma


      Carrie Howell, PhD, MPH

      Carrie Howell, PhD, MPH

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2021

      National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
      Grant Mechanism: K01
      Years Funded: 2022- 2026
      Project Title: Harnessing Social Determinant of Health Data to Identify and Engage High Risk, Socially Vulnerable Populations for Diabetes Prevention

      American Heart Association
      Grant Mechanism: Career Development Award
      Years Funded: 2022- 2025
      Project Title: Assessing Populations at High Risk for Major Cardiac Events using Social Determinant and Cardiometabolic data (AT-RISC)

      Nicole Wright, PhD, MPH

      Nicole Wright, PhD, MPH

      School of Public Health
      GRIT Cohort 2021

      Grant Mechanism: R01
      Years Funded: 2023-2028
      Project Title: Evaluating the Association between Cardiometabolic Health Over the Lifespan and Vertebral Strength

    • Year 5: 2022

      Ryan Coute, DO

      Ryan Coute, DO

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2022

      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2023 - 2028
      Project Title: Improving Community-level Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Underserved Populations

      Yulia Khodneva, PhD

      Yulia Khodneva, PhD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2022

      Grant Mechanism: K23
      Years Funded: 2023 - 2028
      Project Title: Improving diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in primary care

      Megan Leask, Ph.D.

      Megan Leask, Ph.D.

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2022

      Grant Mechanism: NIAMS Diversity Supplement
      Years Funded: 2022 - 2024
      Project Title: Functional and Integrative Omics of Recurrent Gout Flares

      Rachel Skains, MD, MSPH

      Rachel Skains, MD, MSPH

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2022

      Grant Mechanism: R03
      Years Funded: 2023 - 2025
      Project Title: Risk Factors and Time Course of Incident Delirium Among Older Adults in the Emergency Department (ED) 

      Grant Mechanism: R21
      Years Funded: 2023 - 2025
      Project Title: Comprehensive Assessment of Delirium Risk due to Medications

    • Year 6: 2023

      Stephen Clarkson, MD

      Stephen Clarkson, MD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2023

      Grant Mechanism: American Heart Association Career Development Award
      Years Funded: 2023-2026
      Project Title: Social Determinants of Health among Rural Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

      Raymond Jones, PhD

      Raymond Jones, PhD

      School of Medicine
      GRIT Cohort 2023

      Grant Mechanism: K01
      Years Funded: 2024-2028
      Project Title: A Pilot Trial of High-Intensity Exercise to Combat Vascular and Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults with HIV

  • Thank you for your interest in participating in the GRIT program!


    Please provide all information requested in the application below. GRIT program leadership will reach out to you about next steps shortly after we receive your application.

    Apply to GRIT

  • Andrea Cherrington, MD

    Andrea Cherrington, MD
    Professor, Preventive Medicine

    Gareth Dutton, PhD

    Gareth Dutton, PhD
    Professor, Preventive Medicine

    Larry Hearld, PhD

    Larry Hearld, PhD
    Professor, Health Services Administration

    Renee Heffron, PhD

    Renee Heffron, PhD
    Professor, Infectious Diseases

    Nataliya Ivankova, PhD

    Nataliya Ivankova, PhD
    Professor, Health Services Administration

    Dustin Long, PhD

    Dustin Long, PhD
    Associate Professor, Biostatistics

    Alayne Markland, MD

    Alayne Markland, MD
    Professor, Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care

    Tapan Mehta, PhD

    Tapan Mehta, PhD
    Professor, Health Services Administration

    Michael Mugavero, MD

    Michael Mugavero, MD
    Professor, Infectious Diseases

    Gabriela Oats, PhD

    Gabriela Oats, PhD
    Associate Professor, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine