Scholar Application: 2026 Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP)

The American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) provides a 12-month scholarship and mentoring opportunity to a competitive pool of health behavior researchers. The purpose of the Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) is to mentor early career investigators in the production of high-quality scholarly research-based products that address any area of health behavior-related research. This application is for the Scholarship Track of the RSMP. This track pairs Academy members wanting to form new research collaborations, expand their productivity, and learn about new fields, topics, and methodological approaches. The overarching goal of the Scholarship Track is to promote excellence in health behavior research among Academy members through collaboration. Paired scholars will generate research-based products and collaborate in various forms of scholarship. The research-based products and/or processes resulting from the RSMP are determined by each pair collaboratively. Scholars selected for the RSMP will be matched in January/February 2026, and pairs will be recognized at the 2026 and 2027 AAHB meetings. Details about the RSMP can be found at  https://newprairiepress.org/hbr/vol2/iss4/7/

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be current, paid members of AAHB in good standing at the time of application
• • Previous RSMP participants are welcomed to apply for the Scholarship Track
• Have completed a doctoral level degree in a health behavior discipline 

RSMP Expectations 

• Identify a Preferred Pair for collaboration. A Scholar can select a Preferred Pair based on their research interests, methodological expertise, existing projects, and/or current roles. Ultimately, pairs are expected to collaborate to expand their scholarship and academic productivity.
• • o Members: For a list of AAHB fellows and members, please visit http://aahb.org and log on with your username and password. Go to ‘Members Only’ menu for Membership Directory. Non-members: email Dr. Erika Thompson (thompsone1@uthscsa.edu) for access to a full list of AAHB members.
  • It is recommended that Scholars contact their Preferred Pair to determine their interest in the program and solicit agreement to participate in the RSMP together. It is preferred that Scholar Pairs apply together, when possible.
• Develop research-based products (e.g., grant proposal, manuscript) and engage in academic scholarship activities (at the discretion of the pair)
• Commit 12-months to the relationship, which will include participation in the following: 
• • Developing a work plan
  •  Producing a mid-year progress report 
  • Producing a final report 
  • Keeping AAHB informed about professional accomplishments via survey participation 

Interested applicants should complete/upload the following requirements by January 9, 2026.   Questions?  Contact RSMP Director, Dr. Erika Thompson at thompsone1@uthscsa.edu. 

• Scholar Application Form: RSMP_Scholar_Application_2026.pdf
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Statement of Interest (maximum of 500 words)