About Us

The Science Participation Resource Center (SPRC) is dedicated to increasing diversity in all aspects of health research and we see this as a matter of social justice. 

As we move closer to the reality of personalized medicine, it is crucial for medical research to include all communities.

We strive to increase this representation by working on community engagement in research, research literacy, storytelling, and language inclusion in research among other areas. 

In 2016, the Science Participation Resource Center (SPRC) was established under the UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UMCCTS) with a four year grant from the National Institute of Health.

The mission of the Science Participation Resource Center is to increase engagement of special populations in applying medical research in real settings through tailored, culturally responsive strategies. We define special populations as those under-represented in translational research because of age (i.e., pediatrics, geriatrics), race/ethnicity, low socioeconomic status, geographic location (rural or urban), or being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender (LGBT).

To learn more, go to our expanded website by clicking here! 

Contact Us

Administration: Dr. Jeroan Allison, Academic PI, Germán Chiriboga, MPH, Program Director, Geraldine Puerto, Research Coordinator, Brooke Staples, Research Coordinator

Special Population Consultation: Dr. Milagros Rosal, Academic PI

Cultural Competency Training: Dr. Melissa Fischer, Academic PI

Community and Patient Participation: Joanne Calista, Center for Health Impact, Community PI, Martha Benitez, Center for Health Impact, Community PI, Fred Jenoure, Community PI

Special Emphasis: Pediatrics and Geriatrics

Dr. Marianne FeliceDr. Jesica Pagano-Therrien, Dr. Jennifer Tija

UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science, grant # UL1-TR001453