CORAL
The Center to Advance Reproductive Justice and Behavioral Health among Black Pregnant/Postpartum Women
Project CORAL — the Center to Advance Reproductive Justice and Behavioral Health among Black Pregnant and Postpartum Women — is an NIH-funded Center of Excellence in Maternal Health Research based at Morehouse School of Medicine, in collaboration with Emory University and a robust network of community-based partners.
CORAL is committed to building a strong, community-driven, transdisciplinary research infrastructure that advances reproductive justice and maternal behavioral health. Our work focuses on addressing the biological, behavioral, environmental, sociocultural, and structural factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and maternal mortality.
Through ethical research, community engagement, and workforce development, CORAL aims to strengthen maternal health outcomes and support innovative solutions that center the lived experiences of pregnant and postpartum women.
CORAL Scholars Program
CORAL is recruiting early-stage investigators (ESIs) with career trajectories in maternal health and behavioral health to participate in an 18-month CORAL Research Scholars Program.
This program offers a unique opportunity for scholars to lead transformative, community-engaged research at the intersection of maternal and behavioral health while receiving tailored mentorship and professional development support.
CORAL Scholars play a critical role in advancing innovative approaches to improving maternal behavioral health among pregnant and postpartum women.
Who Is a CORAL Scholar?
A CORAL Scholar is an early-stage investigator who is committed to changing the trajectory of the maternal behavioral health crisis through rigorous, community-informed research and a sustained career dedicated to maternal and behavioral health equity.
Scholar Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be an Early-Stage Investigator (ESI), as defined by NIH, at Morehouse School of Medicine or Emory University;
- Have a demonstrated history of research in the biological, behavioral, environmental, sociocultural, or structural determinants of:
- maternal health and/or
- behavioral health; and
- Be committed to a career focused on improving maternal and behavioral health outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women.
Scholar Support & Benefits
CORAL will select up to three scholars for each cohort. Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support over an 18-month period, including:
- $15,000 in pilot grant funding to support scholar-led research projects
- Customized mentorship aligned with both project goals and long-term career development
- Access to targeted skills-building workshops and trainings, including:
- Implementation science
- Community-engaged research
- Advanced research methods
- Opportunities to connect with a local, regional, and national network of investigators advancing maternal and behavioral health research
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit professional information, a brief research statement, and a current CV.
2026 Public Health Leadership & Fellowship Opportunities
The Center for Excellence in Public Health Leadership (CEPHL) at Kennedy Krieger Institute is offering federally funded, mentored training programs for undergraduate and graduate students interested in public health, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and health leadership.
These immersive, real-world programs are designed to build research, leadership, and professional skills while expanding pathways into the public health workforce.
🗓 Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Dr. James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases
RISE Fellowship Program
Program Options:
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Summer Program: May 25 – July 31, 2026
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12-Month Program: May 25, 2026 – May 21, 2027
The Ferguson RISE Fellowship is a full-time, mentored research program for students and recent graduates interested in infectious diseases and health promotion. Fellows are placed at leading universities, public health departments, and research institutions nationwide.
Focus Areas Include:
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Emerging infectious diseases
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Advanced molecular detection
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Wastewater surveillance
Key Benefits:
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Stipend based on federal academic rates
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Paid summer housing (housing reimbursement available for 12-month fellows)
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Relocation support for select placements
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Mentorship, research training, and scientific writing support
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Opportunity to present research at a national symposium
Maternal & Child Health Careers / RISE-UP
Undergraduate Summer Program
Program Dates: May 25 – July 31, 2026
The MCHC/RISE-UP Program is a summer public health leadership experience for undergraduate juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in maternal and child health, social determinants of health, and community engagement.
Program Highlights:
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Clinical, research, and community engagement tracks
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Weekly mentorship and professional coaching
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Research or MCH project presentation at program conclusion
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Housing available at select sites
Stipend: $5,400 (amount may vary by site)
EMURG Fellowship
Excellence in Mentorship for Unity, Resilience, and Growth
Program Dates: May 25 – September 29, 2026
The EMURG Fellowship provides graduate-level scholars with leadership and policy experience within federal health agencies. The program focuses on advancing public health, maternal and child health, mental health, and health equity through applied policy and research work.
Key Benefits:
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Paid federal-level placement
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Professional coaching and mentorship
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Housing support and transportation assistance
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Sponsorship to attend the APHA Annual Conference