The first initiative of the MaRCH Center will implement a pilot study program to support early-career investigators in building the foundational data and experience needed for future external awards and submissions.
Pilot investigators will receive coordinated support from all MaRCH Center cores, including structured mentoring from NIH-funded faculty, guidance on study design and analysis, digital health expertise, and consultation on community-engaged research.
This program offers targeted training and seed funding to help investigators develop competitive external grant applications and progress toward future Research Project Leader roles within the MaRCH Center.
How to Apply
Early-stage investigators interested in conducting research through the MaRCH Center can apply for support through the Pilot Study Program. This program provides one year of funding, mentorship, and access to MaRCH Center resources to help researchers generate preliminary data and strengthen future grant applications. Early-stage researchers are invited to propose community-informed or translational projects that incorporate local partnerships, digital-health innovation, and structured mentorship. Projects may request up to $50,000 in direct costs and will span a 12-month project period.
Applicant Eligibility
To be considered for the pilot project, applicants must meet the following criteria:
An Applicant does qualify if:
- They are named as a co-investigator, collaborator, consultant, or another role other than Principal Investigator (PI).
- They are a PI on training/mentored grants such as R15, R03, R21, K01, or K08.
An Applicant does not qualify if:
- They have an external, peer-reviewed Research Project Grant (RPG) or Program Project Grant (PPG) from a federal or non-federal source as the named Principal Investigator (PI).
- They are a PI on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01, P01, RCORI, AHRQ, or NSF award.
Applications are currently closed. More details about the 2027-2028 application round will be coming soon.
Refer to the application preparation checklist for specific components due.
Additional Considerations:
- Aligned with NIH eligibility requirements
- Interest in a fundable area of research
- Evidence of prior grant writing experience
- A strong or developing publication record
- Potential to achieve R01 or equivalent funding
Application Materials:
Funding Opportunity Announcement and templates available for download.
Program Goals
The scientific goal of the MaRCH Center is to advance rigorous, multidisciplinary research that examines biological, behavioral, and social factors influencing maternal and reproductive health.
The program also aims to improve maternal and reproductive outcomes in Arkansas and similar regions by developing practical interventions, strengthening research partnerships, and building long-term research capacity.
Phase I of the MaRCH Center focuses on establishing durable research infrastructure and building a strong network of investigators working to advance maternal and reproductive health through collaborative approaches, technology-enabled methods, and structured mentoring for early-stage investigators.
The goal of the Pilot Study Program is to provide seed funding and create a pathway for future external awards and Research Project Leader roles within the MaRCH Center.
Pilot Project Leaders
Dr. Rachel Hale is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health. Her research examines how environmental conditions and exposures affect health outcomes. Her pilot study, Integrating Wearable Sensors and Behavioral Theory to Assess Maternal Heat Exposure: A Feasibility Study, examines heat exposure among pregnant women and explores how pregnant women perceive, experience, and respond to extreme heat. Using wearable sensors and in-depth interviews, the study assesses the feasibility of measuring individual-level environmental exposure in real-world settings. This research will help inform the development of future interventions, improve environmental exposure measurement methods, and support strategies to reduce heat-related maternal health risks.
Dr. Mollee Steely Smith is an Assistant Professor at the Health and Legal System (HEALS)Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Her research examines the relationship between health, incarceration, and justice system involvement among women, particularly those who are pregnant and postpartum. Her pilot study, Screening and Treatment of PTSD among Perinatal Patients in Specialized Residential Substance Use Treatment Programs in Arkansas, evaluates PTSD screening and a brief intervention for pregnant and postpartum patients receiving residential substance use treatment. The project examines the feasibility and acceptability of these approaches within specialized addiction treatment settings. Findings from this work will inform future implementation efforts and support the delivery of evidence-based mental health care for perinatal patients receiving substance use treatment services.