SUSTAIN Program Advancing Careers: From Scholar Support to Faculty
Designed for early career faculty scholars, the SUSTAIN program serves as a springboard for achieving independent research career success. We feature our recent SUSTAIN scholars Fabian Rivera-Chavez and Lukas Chavez-Kuss. Learn more about their experiences during SUSTAIN funding and subsequent successes securing more grant funding.
How was the SUSTAIN program important for your career?
The SUSTAIN award has given me protected time that has been critical for revising and resubmitting my research proposals. I am happy to report that my re-submitted R01 as now been funded”
How was the SUSTAIN program important for grant writing?
The SUSTAIN award provides protected time to make use of the great grant writing support available at UCSD. I would like to point out the excellent Health Sciences Grant Writing Course (GWC).
Was it easy to apply? Could you tell us about your process?
A requirement for the SUSTAIN award is to have already submitted and received a summary statement from a K, R, or equivalent grant mechanism. Therefore, a specific project idea is already available at the time of application, which greatly facilitates the application process.
We understand you’re a part of the seminar series. How has that been helpful for your career development?
The seminar series is a great opportunity to learn more about core facilities and services available at ACTRI and throughout the campus and to connect with other KL2 and SUSTAIN awardees.
How was the SUSTAIN program important for your career?
Obtaining SUSTAIN support when I was just starting as an assistant professor helped me immensely to starting my lab at UC San Diego. Having an award early in my career also gave me confidence and helped strengthen my applications for other awards.
How was the SUSTAIN program important for grant writing?
SUSTAIN helped to strengthen my skills in grant writing which has been useful for grant applications.
Was it easy to apply? Could you tell us about your process?
I applied for the KL2 award and was awarded SUSTAIN funding instead.
We understand you’re a part of the seminar series. How has that been helpful for your career development?
Presenting in seminars is helpful for communicating my science, which is crucial in a faculty career.
For detailed information about the program, eligibility and the application process, please visit: https://actri.ucsd.edu/centers-services/portfolio/education/index.html#SUSTAIN-(Supporting-Under-repre
Please contact ACTRI-Education at ACTRI-Education@health.ucsd.edu for any questions about the program; copy Adriana Tremoulet (atremoulet@health.ucsd.edu) and Colin Depp (cdepp@health.ucsd.edu).