Training and Technical Assistance Director, Community-Based Research Infrastructure for Better Science

Marj is developing and implementing an intensive training and technical assistance program for 12 collaborative teams of scientists and community members.  The training is the centerpiece of an innovative project, Community-Based Research Infrastructure for Better Science (CRIBS).  CRIBS is a collaboration between the California Breast Cancer Research Program and the nonprofit organization Commomweal. The teams will conduct community-based participatory research into:

  • the environmental causes of breast cancer;
  • how to lift the unequal burden carried by some groups of women who are more likely to get—or die from—breast cancer, based on characteristics such as their race and ethnicity.

CRIBS is based on a vision of stimulating high-quality research that will lead to solutions that reduce the suffering caused by breast cancer.  This project also has the potential to improve community-based participatory research.  One goal is to increase the likelihood of success of multiple scientist-community-member partnerships that can broadly impact research.

Marj’s role includes:

  • Developing an outreach program to bring this opportunity to the attention of prospective members of research teams, including a wide variety of breast cancer, environmental, women's and racial/ethnic health-related community organizations, and researchers from academic health centers.
  • Designing and implementing an intensive training program for 12 selected partnerships.
  • Creating and conducting online training sessions and webinars.
  • Providing one-on-one technical assistance.