The American Indian/Alaska Native Mentorship Program for Substance Abuse Research is a nation-wide mentoring program designed to train and support the career development of AI/AN researcher interested in substance abuse and addictions research. The program was created in 2009 as an outgrowth of the American Indian/Alaska Native Research and Scholarship Workgroup (AIANRSG) at the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA). Funded by NIDA and hosted by the One Sky Center at Oregon Health & Science University, the program seeks to support careers of AI/AN group members in academic substance abuse-oriented research careers.

The goals of the project are to:

• Mentor and train Native students and/or professionals interested in substance abuse and addictions research
• Support training, site visits, and professional development
• Assist in identification and recruitment of candidates for NIDA training opportunities
• Identify future mentors and mentees

American Indian/Alaska Native professionals involved in substance abuse research are encouraged to become mentors to their younger colleagues. Mentors play an important role in the professional growth and development of beginning researchers and receive satisfaction from sharing their wisdom and experience. Moreover, Native-to-Native mentoring is critical to fostering successful careers in substance abuse research and ensuring the future success of much needed Native researchers and academicians.

Please click on the links to the left to learn more about our mentors, mentees, and to view presentations, literature, and upcoming events.