Prevention and Methodology Training (PAMT) Program

NIH T32DA017629
Administered in: College of Health and Human Development

Visit the Prevention and Methodology Training Program website

Abstract:

Since 2005, the Prevention and Methodology Training Program (PAMT) T32, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has met a critical need in the training of drug abuse prevention scientists by nurturing scientists focused on integrating prevention science and highly innovative methodology.

The objective of PAMT is to produce scientists who apply innovative methods to emerging critical research needs in the prevention of substance use and addiction. We do this in the context of Penn State’s long-standing dual commitment to innovation in data collection, design, and statistical analysis methods and to impactful research on the etiology and prevention of substance use and addiction across the life span.

To achieve trainees’ individualized training goals, the program offers

1. interdisciplinary instruction on substance use, prevention science, and innovative methods;
2. mentored experiential training in all aspects of research;
3. training in professional skills and the responsible conduct of research;
4. proseminars including workshops on substance use and addiction, innovative methods, prevention science, and health for all.

PAMT is administered through the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center. Drs. Stephanie Lanza, Rina Eiden, and Eric Claus are MPIs and Dr. Jennnifer Maggs is Associate Training Director. The leadership team also includes Drs. Abenaa Jones as Assistant Training Director, Jeremy Staff as Director of Scholarship, and Damon Jones as Head of Evaluation. Together, the leadership team provide interdisciplinary expertise in substance use, prevention science, and innovative methods.

Each PAMT fellow identifies 2 mentors who together span expertise in substance use, prevention science, and quantitative methods. These faculty mentors span disciplines such as human development and family studies, biobehavioral health, sociology/criminology, psychology, and prevention research. Mentors are also available from nursing, agriculture, nutrition, geography, education, information sciences & technology, statistics, health policy administration, and medicine. Many are affiliated with the Social Science Research Institute’s Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction.

PAMT trainees are engaged in cutting-edge work that rigorously integrates new methods into prevention research, providing a seamless, holistic approach to understanding and preventing substance use and addiction. More than 120 individuals already have been trained through PAMT; many of these fellows have gone on to work at the forefront of this critical area all across the United States.

View the PAMT Program Faculty and Mentors

View the PAMT Program Fellows

Learn how to apply to PAMT