Project Mentor
Dr. Chenglin Hong
Department: Social Work
Project Overview:
Project Title: A systematic review of intimate partner violence among older sexual and gender minority adults in the U.S.
This SHARE project will assist with a systematic review examining intimate partner violence (IPV) among older sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults. IPV has been widely studied among heterosexual and younger populations, yet very little research has focused on IPV experiences among older SGM adults, including gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender diverse individuals aged 50 and older. As the SGM population ages, there is increasing recognition that older adults may face unique relationship dynamics, caregiving arrangements, and social vulnerabilities that shape experiences of IPV. These experiences may intersect with lifelong exposure to stigma, discrimination, and barriers to supportive services, which can influence both vulnerabilities to abuse and willingness to seek help. Despite these concerns, the existing evidence base on IPV among older SGM adults remains fragmented and limited. This project aims to systematically identify, review, and synthesize the available empirical literature on IPV prevalence, correlates, health outcomes, and help-seeking behaviors among older SGM adults. The findings will help clarify the scope of the problem, identify gaps in the literature, and inform future research and intervention efforts focused on aging and LGBTQ+ health. The results of this review will contribute to a peer-reviewed journal manuscript and may also inform future grant proposals and conference presentations addressing IPV and aging among sexual and gender minority populations.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The student will participate in several key stages of the systematic review process under the supervision of the faculty mentor and in collaboration with graduate research assistants. Responsibilities will include assisting with literature searches across academic databases (e.g., PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science), screening titles and abstracts for eligibility using predefined inclusion criteria, and supporting full-text review of selected studies. The apprentice will also assist with organizing and managing references using citation management software and will contribute to data extraction from eligible articles. In addition, the apprentice may help summarize key findings from the literature, assist in preparing evidence tables, and participate in research team meetings where the team discusses emerging themes and methodological considerations. Through these activities, the apprentice will gain exposure to how systematic reviews are designed, conducted, and translated into scholarly publications. Depending on progress and interest, the apprentice may also assist with drafting sections of the manuscript or preparing materials for conference presentations.
Learning Outcomes
Through this apprenticeship, the student will gain hands-on experience with the research process in public health and social science. The apprentice will develop skills in conducting systematic literature searches, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria for research studies, extracting and organizing research data, and synthesizing scientific evidence. They will also gain familiarity with research tools such as academic databases, citation management software, and systematic review protocols. Beyond technical skills, the apprentice will gain knowledge about LGBTQ+ health disparities, aging and health equity, and intimate partner violence as a public health issue. The experience will also provide exposure to collaborative research environments, including working with faculty mentors and graduate student researchers. This opportunity is designed to support students who are interested in careers in public health, social work, medicine, or other health-related fields, and will help them develop foundational research and critical thinking skills.
Dr. Hong has a strong track record of publications, including high impact systematic review and meta-analysis in leading journals, with 65 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 35 as first author and 6 as sole author. The findings of this study will contribute to a peer-reviewed journal article in Trauma, Violence, and Abuse or ADIS and Behavior, and a conference abstract in the International AIDS Conference. Through this apprenticeship, the student will develop research skills, engage with LGBTQ+ health and HIV research, and contribute to a project with real-world public health implications. The apprentice will be awarded authorship on any publication and conference abstract developed from this project.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
The exact schedule is flexible and will be determined collaboratively with the apprentice to accommodate other summer commitments such as courses, internships, or employment. There are no required specific working days, and the apprentice may distribute their hours across the week in a way that works best for their schedule.
The apprentice will be expected to attend regular virtual meetings, including biweekly one-on-one meetings with the faculty mentor to discuss progress, troubleshoot challenges, and receive feedback. In addition, the student will be invited to participate in periodic lab meetings with the research team, which typically occur once every two to three weeks and provide opportunities to learn about ongoing research projects and engage with graduate student researchers.
Project work will generally begin in early June and continue through August, though the timeline can be adjusted slightly depending on the student’s availability. Because the work is primarily literature-based and conducted remotely, the apprenticeship can easily accommodate students who may be balancing other summer responsibilities.
Students interested in the position should be comfortable with independent work, reading academic literature, and participating in virtual collaboration. Prior research experience is not required; however, an interest in public health, LGBTQ+ health, social justice, or health disparities research would be beneficial. The goal of the apprenticeship is to provide a supportive and flexible learning environment while helping students develop foundational research skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include experience in conducting systematic reviews, basic math and statistics, or research methods. However, these skills are not required, and students without this training are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with coursework or academic interests in public health, social work, LGBTQ+ health, or sexual and gender minority studies are encouraged to apply. A strong interest in social justice, health disparities, and HIV prevention will also be considered a valuable asset. We are looking for students who are motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn in a collaborative research environment.
To Apply:
The application opens on Monday, March 2, 2026. Click here to submit an online application for this SHARE apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. There are no additional questions for this application.
Please note:
All students hired for a SHARE Summer apprenticeship must complete a federal I-9 form and present original documents in person to OUR staff as part of the hiring process. Visit this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for more information about acceptable documents. You cannot begin working until this is complete. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for this. For example, if you are going home for spring break, consider bringing original documents back to campus with you.