HPTN Scholars
The HPTN Scholars Program increases opportunities for scientists from groups underrepresented in HIV prevention research. Since forming in 2010, Scholars have generated more than 32 primary-authored publications, and recently two Scholars were named first-time protocol co-chairs for two HPTN studies in development.

By Wilfred T. Gurupira

I thought by the time my response to the HPTN Scholars Program application came, I would be ready. I was not. An e-mail came on a Friday afternoon with an attachment, three days after my birthday. While I was hoping it was good news – I was still in the birthday buzz – I was apprehensive, as my application had been unsuccessful before.  The title of the email indicated it was a response to my Scholars Program application. However, the body of the email did not tell me what the decision was. I had to open the attached letter to find out. I was nervous as I clicked to open it. It took a while to open it for some reason, most likely due to my shaky fingers. When it finally opened, I began to read, only the word ‘congratulations’ stood out. I was finally an HPTN Scholar!

And So Began an Exciting Year and a Half

I had always wanted to be a part of the HPTN Scholars Program, but the time never seemed to be right. First, the program was originally open to only domestic (U.S.) scholars. When the program finally expanded to include international scholars, I was ineligible. Opening the HPTN Scholars Program to international sites was due to the efforts of many wonderful people such as Sten Vermund, HPTN Scholars Program Co-chair, and HPTN Scholars Program mentors Quarraisha Abdool Karim and David Serwadda. When I was finally eligible, my proposal duplicated work already in progress, so my application that year was unsuccessful. During this entire period, I continued to receive encouragement from Darrell Wheeler, HPTN Scholars Program Co-chair, LaRon Nelson, 2010-2011, 2012-2013 Domestic Scholar, and Emily Makunike-Shava, 2016-2017 International Scholar. I owe these three a huge debt because, without them, I would not be an HPTN Scholar.Wilfred

In the HPTN Scholars Program, you will get a guide. During my time as a scholar, this was erica hamilton. She was the HPTN Scholars Program manager. Together with HPTN Leadership and Operations Center staff members Gabriela Salinas-Jimenez and Tanette Headen, erica helped get me through the initial application stages right through to the end of the program.

I was particularly inspired by my fellow scholars from the 2018-2019 domestic program and international cohorts who are doing great things and are changing the world. Our interactions as a group and as individuals helped refine my HPTN Scholars Program concept and my broader thinking about identity, HIV prevention, research and funding. A lively and informative discussion on sex and gender brought about by a statement I made during a presentation sticks in my mind. I will not be confusing those terms ever again.

It may sound cliché to say the HPTN Scholars Program is a wonderful opportunity to establish oneself on a path to become an independent HIV researcher. But the program indeed delivers on its promises, from helping Scholars identify a feasible concept, coming up with a budget, 18 months of interactions (e.g., meetings, training sessions and conference calls), learning, presenting and writing. I am better now as a person and researcher than I was before becoming a Scholar. I am glad I kept my focus and kept applying to the program. It took a while, but as they say, great things come to those who persist. My time in the program may officially have come to an end (I “graduated” in November 2019), but I know that once a Scholar, always a Scholar. If you are reading this and wondering if you should apply – you should. Or if you know someone else who is eligible, please encourage them to apply. Neither of you will regret it.

For me, the next stage of the journey begins. Next stop: zero HIV infections in key populations worldwide.

Wilfred T. Gurupira, MPH, is a 2018-2019 HPTN International Scholar and the Pharmacist of Record at the Milton Park (formerly Parirenyatwa) CRS in Harare, Zimbabwe. He has more than 14 years of experience working in HIV treatment and prevention clinical trials. His current work centers on public health and implementation science with a focus on HIV prevention in key populations such as sero-different couples and adolescent girls and young women. Mr. Gurupira holds degrees in pharmacy and public health and is working towards a PhD in public health.