1. ADMINISTRATIVE CORE: ABSTRACT The Administrative Core (AC), through the shared leadership of Center Co-Directors Dr. Habibul Ahsan and Dr. Gail Prins, will coordinate all programmatic and research activities within the ChicAgo Center for Health and EnvironmenT (CACHET) and implement the strategic vision. As such, CACHET will achieve a strong identity in the city and state as The Center promoting improved public health through reduced exposures to adverse environmental factors, particularly within regions of racial/ethnic health disparities. The AC will provide a centralized organizational infrastructure that integrates and coordinates CACHET activities, recruits and organizes members with excellent research capability in environmental health sciences (EHS), and builds inter-institutional research programs across Focus Groups and trans-disciplinary research teams. This will be supported by effective management and oversight of Facility Cores that meet the evolving needs of EHS investigators. The AC will promote translational research opportunities through the IHSFC and, with the COEC, engage community stakeholders to advance bi-directional communications that drive targeted research efforts on emerging environmental issues. Central to these endeavors are the interactive education and communication strategies for CACHET members that will be developed including seminars, retreats, workshops, and several multi-media platforms that include a website and social media tools. The AC will facilitate career development of young investigators through a robust Career Development Program and build EHS research capacity through a vibrant Pilot Project Program and targeted faculty recruitment. The AC management team will maintain databases for membership, Core Facility utilization, sponsored activity outcomes and record keeping. Similarly, this team will work with the Directors to provide efficient operations and effective management of finances and resources, and prepare timely scientific and financial reports to the NIEHS. The Directors will organize oversight committees and advisory boards, including the Executive Committee, Internal Advisory Board, and External Advisory Board, and act upon their advice and recommendations to maintain and enhance Center programs. The Administrative Core will further the CACHET mission by developing strategic partnerships with university leaders, local/regional/national Public Health offices, regional stakeholders, other NIEHS Core Centers and maintain liaisons with NIEHS program officials.
