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… and Counting!

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.
 
“The ITRE has enjoyed success and contributed to the field of translational research education for adolescent substance use beyond our initial expectations,” 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.
 
“We 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,” said Dr. Tom Massey, ITRE Multiple Principal Investigator & Evaluation Director. “Because 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.”

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.