Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Drug Abuse (ITRE)
The USF Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Substance Use (ITRE): Celebrating 10 Years鈥� and Counting!
During the past 10 years, the ITRE has provided graduate research education and training to 10 cohorts.
During the past 10 years, the ITRE has provided graduate research education and training
to 10 cohorts, graduating 119 students in our graduate certificate program. These
ITRE Scholars have examined a variety of issues related to translating research to
practice and enabling the use of evidence-based practices in community-based settings.
This integrative educational experience links innovative curricula, service-learning
projects, and mentoring in implementation science to help reduce health disparities/inequities
for youth with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental, emotional, and behavioral
disorders.
鈥淭he ITRE has enjoyed success and contributed to the field of translational research
education for adolescent substance use beyond our initial expectations,鈥� said Dr.
Bruce Lubotsky Levin, ITRE Multiple Principal Investigator & Curriculum Director.
Scholars have participated in the ITRE with a variety of academic backgrounds, including
criminology, rehabilitation & mental health counseling, occupational therapy, public
health, behavioral and community sciences, psychology, social work, and community
health. Expanding the knowledge of translational research to these academic disciplines
will continue to ensure appropriate services are provided to underserved communities
and high-risk populations in real world settings.
Adolescent substance use and misuse remains a significant public health problem in
the U.S. The ITRE, currently in its third consecutive 5-year grant cycle (NIDA 5R25DA031103),
remains dedicated to its focus on underserved at-risk adolescent populations in Florida
and Arizona.
鈥淲e are extremely grateful for the contributions of our Academic Mentors, Peer Mentors,
Community Partner Agency Mentors, and National Advisory Board members for making it
possible for us to provide an excellent training program for our Scholars,鈥� said Dr.
Tom Massey, ITRE Multiple Principal Investigator & Evaluation Director. 鈥淏ecause of
their tireless efforts, our many graduates now work in developing evidence-based interventions
together with end users through faculty positions at universities, federal government
agencies (including SAHMSA, DHHS, HRSA, and CDC), and local community providers including
state departments of health, hospitals, and other behavioral health organizations.鈥�
Annual Conference
As part of the institute, a conference is hosted each year in the Spring focused on skills and methodologies of translational research. Content experts and national mentors present on core content areas of the proposed curricula. Institute scholars also present their Service Learning Projects. The 2024 conference will be held April 8-10, 2024.