Dr. Ellis as a principal investigator is currently working very closely with the community to address program design and implementation factors; factors within the organizational setting; factors in the broader community environment. Dr. Ellis conducts hands-on training that involves using a peer educator model, which has demonstrated success not only nationally, but in the specific diverse communities. Additionally, his training methodology includes a training component to build capacity of community members to deliver the intervention, thus increasing sustainability. He functions as the East Carolina University vice chancellor fellow for research diversity.