Dr. Laneshia Conner receives supplemental NIH funding, advances HIV prevention research

Dr. Conner's NIH funded research on HIV prevention for older Black women focuses on behavioral factors and interventions through the Woman-2-Woman program.
Dr. Laneshia Conner smiling

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2024) — Dr. Laneshia R. Conner, assistant professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Social Work, has been awarded supplemental funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further her critical research aimed at reducing HIV risk among older Black women.  

UK’s program is one of the founding NIH BIRCWH programs with recent funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the National Institute of Health (NIH). This funding supports Conner’s ongoing efforts to address an underserved public health need and aligns with NIH priorities for HIV/AIDS research. 

Conner’s project examines the feasibility and acceptability of Woman-2-Woman — a group-level HIV intervention designed for Black women aged 62 and older. This study seeks to better understand the behavioral factors and social contexts that impact HIV prevention within this demographic, ultimately aiming to reduce HIV risk behaviors and improve decision-making skills. 

“I am deeply appreciative of the continued support from both the institution and the NIH,” said Conner. “Older Black women are frequently underrepresented in research and interventions, despite the distinct challenges and risks they face. This supplemental funding will enable us to further refine and implement strategies that advance positive health outcomes.” 

The funding, part of Conner’s involvement with the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, includes mentorship and training activities to advance her expertise. Additionally, the supplement will continue to support the development of a feasibility trial of the intervention. To date, participation in the BIRCWH program has yielded in several publications and presentations, and most recently, a scored- K01 application, supporting Dr. Conner on the pathway to research independence. 

This recognition follows a series of achievements highlighting Conner’s research excellence. Last year, she was honored by the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) for her scholarly contributions. Her article, “Black Experiences Matter: Reflections on Black Faculty Interactions with Black Administrators,” co-authored with Yarneccia Dyson (NC State University), V. Nikki Jones (Spalding University), and Vanessa Drew Branch (Elon University), was featured in the Journal of Social Work Education.  

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K12DA035150. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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