Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) Reimagined
The Academy provides a 12-month mentoring and scholarship opportunity to a competitive pool of health behavior researchers. The purpose of the RSMP is to provide structured mentorship to investigators in the production of high-quality, scholarly, research-based products that address any area of health behavior-related research. The research-based products and/or processes resulting from the RSMP are determined by each mentee-mentor or scholar-scholar pair collaboratively. Senior investigators from AAHB (mentors) are partnered with selected investigators (mentees/scholars) and matches are made based on content or methods expertise.
The Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) was formed in 2011 to facilitate high-quality mentorship interactions among junior and seasoned investigators within the Academy.
Matched based on their research interests, each Mentee-Mentor Pair works together to develop skills and gain experience in conducting research-related activities. Ultimately, this program was designed to cultivate and nurture the next generation of scholars to promote productive research-driven careers that exude excellence in health behavior research.
Recognizing that mentorship takes many forms and is important at all career stages, the RSMP has been reimagined to incorporate a Scholarship Track. This new track will pair together Academy members to collaborate on research and expand their existing skillsets.
The RSMP is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cohort for the below tracks.
Mentorship Track pairs more junior Academy members with more seasoned members to generate research-based products processes (e.g., interviewing, navigating tenure and promotion).
Mentee applicants are typically Assistant Professors or those within 7 years of terminal degree
Mentors are typically Associate or Full Professors or Fellows of the Academy
Scholarship Track pairs Academy members wanting to form new research collaborations, expand their productivity, and learn about new fields, topics, and methodological approaches. Paired scholars will generate research-based products and collaborate in various forms of scholarship.
Applicants can be at any rank, but are typically Associate/Full Professors or Fellows of the Academy
Applicants are encouraged to apply in pairs (not required)
Applications will be accepted through January 9, 2026. Any Academy member is welcomed to apply. Applicants must be current AAHB members at the time of application.
For additional information or for a current AAHB Member List, please contact Dr. Erika Thompson (erika.thompson@unthsc.edu).
Click here to read about the RSMP.
Research Scholars & Mentorship Program Reimagined
The Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) was formed in 2011 to facilitate high-quality mentorship interactions among junior and seasoned investigators within the Academy.
Matched based on their research interests, each Mentee-Mentor Pair works together to develop skills and gain experience in conducting research-related activities. Ultimately, this program was designed to cultivate and nurture the next generation of scholars to promote productive research-driven careers that exude excellence in health behavior research.
Recognizing that mentorship takes many forms and is important at all career stages, the RSMP has been reimagined to incorporate a Scholarship Track. This new track will pair together Academy members to collaborate on research and expand their existing skillsets.
The RSMP is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cohort for the below tracks.
Mentorship Track
This track pairs more junior Academy members with more seasoned members to generate research-based product processes (e.g., interviewing, navigating tenure and promotion).
Mentee applicants are typically Assistant Professors or those within 7 years of terminal degree
Mentors are typically Associate or Full Professors or Fellows of the Academy
Scholarship Track
This track pairs Academy members wanting to form new research collaborations, expand their productivity, and learn about new fields, topics, and methodological approaches. Paired scholars will generate research-based products and collaborate in various forms of scholarship.
Applicants can be at any rank, but are typically Associate/Full Professors or Fellows of the Academy
Applicants are encouraged to apply in pairs (not required)
Applications will be accepted through January 9, 2026. Any Academy member is welcomed to apply. Applicants must be current AAHB members at the time of application.
For additional information or for a current AAHB Member List, please contact Dr. Erika Thompson.
Be a current, paid member of AAHB in good standing at the time of application
Have completed a doctoral level degree in a health behavior discipline
Mentee applicants must be able to articulate a health behavior research agenda
Previous RSMP participants are encouraged to apply for the new Scholarship Track
Application Process
The applicants should identify 3 preferred AAHB mentors/scholars. It is recommended, but not required, that the applicant contact proposed AAHB members prior to submitting an application to determine their interest in the program and solicit agreement to participate in the RSMP. The program leadership will also attempt to recruit preferred mentors/scholars, but a match is not guaranteed. For a directory of AAHB members, log in with your account and navigate to the "Members Only" menu for the Membership Directory. Applicants that are not yet members may email Dr. David Seal to request a full list of AAHB members.
Pairs will commit 12 months to the program and agree to participate in the following:
Developing a mentor/mentee or scholar/scholar work plan
Identify and develop research-based products (e.g., grant proposal, manuscript) and engage in research-based processes (e.g., interviewing, navigating tenure and promotion)
A teleconference kick-off meeting
Four hours of face-to-face dedicated mentoring time at the next annual AAHB meeting
Produce a mid-year progress report
Produce a final report
Keep AAHB informed about professional accomplishments via survey participation
