Dr. James E.K. Hildreth is a prominent HIV/AIDS researcher. He has just been the director of Meharry Medical College's new Comprehensive Center for Health Disparities Research in HIV since July, and he is already feeling a sense of accomplishment. Hildreth says he's happy to be at Meharry, an institution with a storied tradition of producing many of the nation's Black doctors, dentists and scientists since 1876. According to Hildreth, his discovery of a cyclodextrin-based gel capable of disabling HIV and blocking its transmission through sex differs from other significant HIV findings because it focuses on a component of the virus that is actually made by cells, rather than proteins encoded within the virus. His breakthrough research resulted in the development of a minimally toxic vaginal cream that acts like a "chemical condom," blocking the transmission of the virus. Hildreth is developing an integrated model that blends biology, community outreach and behavior science to explore and address the cultural, environmental and social variables that contribute to the high infections rates in Blacks. Hildreth says one can't separate biology from behavior, which accounts disproportionately for why so many African-Americans are infected with HIV/AIDS. He is looking to the behavioral scientists on his team to help the Center build credibility in the community and find effective strategies for reaching those at risk.