Community-based Research Education in Eastern Kentucky
Curriculum
PURPOSE − This course is designed to support students as they take a larger role in the design and execution of community-based research. The curriculum is offered through intensive seminars and readings that focus on conducting research in an Appalachian context and through targeted experience of taking a leadership role in community-based research. As part of the CREEK curriculum, students participate in community-based research that addresses major health concerns affecting rural and underserved communities. Students may design a free-standing study, a pilot study in preparation for a larger study or, be involved in an ongoing research project, depending on prior research experience. Due to the nature of developing and carrying out one’s own research project, it is highly recommended that students participate in the CREEK program for a minimum of two semesters.
Participation in mentored research that is suited to each student’s skill level and experience is a key component of this course. Each student identifies and works with research and community mentors in his or her area of interest to assist the student in developing a broad-based understanding of community issues related to their research and professional goals. Students should enlist one or more mentors who can support the student’s growth in research, community, academic and professional skills. Such participation is essential to:
- building a student’s research capability
- engaging communities at the local level in solving key health issues
- providing students with valuable professional networking opportunities.
EXPECTATIONS − Students are expected to:
- attend at least six, 3-hour seminars per semester
- document at least 10 hours of mentored contacts per semester
- develop research and academic interests
- articulate the types of mentors who can help them attain their research goals
- determine whether they would be better served by taking a leadership role within studies led by others or to develop their own studies
- carry out competent literature searches and reviews related to their research
- prepare all documents for IRB review
- make substantial contributions to a presentation of her/his research at regional or national professional conferences.
A substantial amount of seminar time will be devoted to group consultation. Each student is required to present updates on his/her research projects to the group on a regular basis so that the group can learn from the experience of designing and improving one another’s projects and to prepare for conference presentations.
WHO − The CREEK Program is open to graduate students in disciplines that focus on human behavior such as nursing, sociology, psychology, social work, public health, human development, family studies, etc. who are interested in learning how to do health-related behavioral research with and in rural communities, primarily in Appalachian Kentucky. Approximately ten students are accepted into the program per semester.
WHERE − The location of CREEK courses will be determined by student enrollment. In past semesters, students met in Hazard and Lexington. If needed, interactive video may be arranged at UK, EKU or the Center for Excellence in Rural Health in Hazard to make attendance more convenient.
The two most recent CREEK syllabi can be accessed using the following links. These documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF).