Mount Sinai’s Translational Research and Implementation Science for Nurses (TRAIN) Program supports Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students from disadvantaged backgrounds to become experts in translating research into clinical practice. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH; R25 HL161579), this 12-week summer program is the first of its kind to provide DNP students with translational research mentorship within the clinical setting. The TRAIN Program delivers collaborative, multidisciplinary, multispecialty classroom education and hands-on research experiences mentored by experts in fields of health disparities,  hypertension, and other clinical topics central to NHLBI’s mission. This unique program offers a generous stipend to offset the financial impact of professional development in this critical field.

Recurring guest lecturers for the TRAIN Program’s weekly education sessions include:

• Veronica Barcelona, PhD, MSN, RN, PHNA-BC, FAAN, Assistant Professor, Columbia University School of Nursing
• Yamnia I. Cortés, PhD, MPH, RN, FAHA, FAAN, Associate Professor, University of Iowa College of Nursing
• Maya N. Clark-Cutaia, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN, Professor, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
• Selena Ann Gilles, DNP, ANP-BC, CNEcl, ANEF, FNYAM, FADLN, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, Practice Professor, University of Pennsylvania Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences
• Lenette M. Jones, PhD, RN, FAHA, FNAP, Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Nursing
• Carl Kirton, DNP, RN, MBA, FAAN, Editor-in-Chief, American Journal of Nursing
• Aviv Y. Landau, PhD, MSW, Research Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice
• Michelle Litchman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FADCES, FAAN, Associate Professor, University of Utah College of Nursing
• Danielle McCamey, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FCCP, FADLN, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing
• Joseph E. Ravenell, MD, Professor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine 

Additional expert guest lecturers are announced annually.

Following their participation in the TRAIN Program, Fellows received additional support to prepare for presenting at scientific conferences, publishing abstracts, and co-authoring peer-reviewed journal articles. Former Fellows have gone on to receive leadership, research, and travel awards; participate in additional fellowships; and serve as members of professional boards and academies.

2026 Program Dates and Commitment

The 2026 TRAIN program will run from May 26 through August 14. Participants must devote 30 hours per week to program activities during this period.

Eligibility

TRAIN applicants must be:

1. U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
2. Enrolled in an accredited DNP program for the duration of the program.
3. Members of a disadvantaged community. 

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 cohort are due February 23, 2026.

Please submit your application here. The application includes:

1. Demographic and contact information.
2. CV or resume.
3. A 500-word personal statement articulating your translational research interests and career goals related to mitigating disparities in NHLBI’s health topics, which include heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders.
4. Two letters of recommendation from your academic faculty or mentor discussing why you would be an ideal candidate for a training program focused on advancing translational research in the practice setting. 
5.  Your unofficial transcript from your DNP program. 
6. Completed attestation form from your DNP program director, chair, or dean attesting that the program schedule is feasible and compatible with your coursework and school expectations.