Division of Outreach and Research

Translational Research Fellows

Each year, the Translational Research Fellows (TRF) program works with faculty members from across VCU to translate their research into public policies for the commonwealth. Selected faculty receive one-on-one mentoring as they develop an outreach plan for their specific area of research. This includes:

• Preparing high-quality policy briefs, white papers, and presentations
• Learning about Virginia's policymaking process and how to present insights to legislators
• Writing impactful OP-ED pieces
• Receiving policy impact consulting for grant proposals
• And more!

Learn more about the program in the February 2020 episode of our CompassPoint podcast.

Are you interested in participating in the TRF program? Please fill out this form to tell us more about yourself, your research, and your goals.

Are you seeking subject matter expertise from a VCU subject matter expert? Please fill out this form to tell us about your needs.

How it works

Fellows commit to the program for one calendar year and forge ongoing connections to policymakers and OPPO.

Each year, our office assists fellows with:

• Preparing high-quality briefs and presentations
• Learning how to present insights to Virginia legislators
• Tracking public statements by lawmakers and initiating follow-up conversations
• Scheduling face-to-face meetings with at least three policymakers in their area of expertise

Learn more about the program in the February 2020 episode of our CompassPoint podcast.

How to apply

Applications must be received by November 1, 2024 to participate in the following year’s program. Selected applicants will be notified in late March.

To apply, please submit:

• The completed application; click here to download: TRF Application
• A letter of nomination from your dean or program chair supporting participation in the program
• Biographical statement
• A current copy of your CV

Fellows are selected according to the relevance of their research to current Virginia policy debates — and their ability to link the two.

Work Samples

NP Preceptor White Paper
Dr. Debra Barksdale, Dr. Christine Kennedy, and Dr. Shelly Smith

Juvenile Interrogations
Dr. Hayley Cleary

Policies Promoting Regional Schools
VCU Study: School Segreation Worsening in Virginia
Dr. Genevieve Siegel-Hawley

JNP Article
Dr. Shelly Smith, Dr. Holly Buchanan, and Dr. Rachel Cloutier

VNA Legislative Summary 2017
Dr. Shelly Smith

For more examples of our Fellows' work, visit our VCU Scholars Compass page.

Our Fellows

Our Translational Research Fellows conduct research in a wide range of policy areas, including:

• Physical and mental health
  
  • Dr. Debra Barksdale
  • Dr. R. Wayne Barbee
  • Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse
  • Dr. J. Brian Cassel
  • Dr. Nancy Jallo
  • Dr. Suzanne Mazzeo
  • Dr. Shelly Smith
  • Dr. Jasmin Vassileva
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Dr. Melanie Buffington
  • Dr. Liz Costin
  • Dr. Genevieve Siegel-Hawley
• Criminal justice
  • Dr. Blythe Bowman Balestrieri
  • Dr. Hayley Cleary
• Infrastructure and emergency preparedness
  • Mr. Jim Keck
  • Dr. Damian Pitt
  • Dr. Gregory Triplett