K Scholar Program Graduate, Kotagal, Receives Funding From CDC

Meera Kotagal, MD, MPH

CCTST K Scholar program graduate, Meera Kotagal, MD, MPH, associate professor in the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s, was recently awarded a K01 Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Kotagal’s project, titled “Use of System Dynamics Modeling and Human-Centered Design to Address Structural Drivers of Youth Firearm Violence,” aims to advance research on youth violence, with a particular focus on firearm-related injuries.  

The project will use system dynamics modeling, informed by an existing co-produced qualitative map, to identify areas within Cincinnati’s complex dynamic system where interventions may have the greatest impact on reducing rates of youth firearm violence. Working with community partners, Dr. Kotagal will utilize human-centered design strategies to co-design an intervention to reduce youth violence.

Dr. Kotagal will use her findings and skills gained from this K01 award to develop a competitive R21, and subsequently R01, proposal on testing and implementation of the designed intervention.