The HIV Prevention Trials Network is pleased to announce the first cohort for its new International Scholars program. The two early career investigators already have relevant experience in the HIV research field, and will work with renowned Network HIV prevention researchers on a secondary analysis of HPTN study data that aligns with their interests.
"I am truly excited at the initiation of the International Scholars program as a follow-up on the successful Domestic Scholars program,” said David Serwadda, of International Scholars Program Leadership. “Given the fact that HPTN is a worldwide network, this will be a great opportunity for international sites to have their scholars build their research skills through this program."
Jesne Kistan is a medical doctor working as an investigator in HIV prevention studies at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, South Africa. She has a joint appointment as a researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. She is currently involved in working with key population groups including adolescents and MSM in HIV prevention studies. Her personal field of interests include bringing about effective HIV prevention to young women in Africa. Her HPTN 067 project will focus on assessing differences that exist in acceptability and adherence between young and older South African women receiving PrEP.
Emilia Jalil is a Research Assistant in the STD and AIDS Clinical Research Laboratory at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ). Since the inception of her career as a physician, she has been devoted to STD and HIV/AIDS care and research, especially among minorities, un-empowered and marginalized populations. Her previous and ongoing studies focused on HPV infection, aging of HIV-positive women, and STD and HIV in crack/cocaine users and women. Dr. Jalil is currently coordinating the first respondent-driven sampling (RDS) study specifically designed for transgender women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her HPTN project will analyze data from HPTN 063. Her focus will be on risk perception of HIV transmission and its association with sexual risk behavior, specifically regarding gender and sexual orientation.
The HPTN is currently accepting applications for the second International Scholars cohort, due 15 January 2016.