Frontiers in Alzheimer's and Aging Research Experiences

This renewal of R25 AG043365-10 for the NIA, now re-entitled: “Frontiers in Alzheimer’s and Aging Research EXPERIENCES” (FrA2RE), requests support for five cohorts of ≥12 promising undergraduates annually. FrA2RE concentrates on Structured Research Experiences and essential mentoring to launch and sustain careers within NIA’s portfolio. Experts investigating Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and Aging partners with selected undergraduate trainees forming Trainee: Mentoring Dyads. The ADRD and aging fields continue to grow swiftly, yet there are too few laboratories led by expert scientists and too few new well-qualified trainees. FrA2RE is directed by Gerald Schatten, PhD (Pittsburgh), with Co-Investigators Laura Niedernhofer, MD, PhD, (Minnesota), George Langford, PhD, Dean and Professor Emeritus (Syracuse), and Research Experiences Coordinator Calvin Simerly, PhD, (Pitt) forming the Executive Committee. Overseen by the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), co-chaired by Winston Thompson, PhD, (Morehouse School of Medicine: MSM) and Melissa Walls, PhD (Professor at JHU-Duluth); they ensure that the next generation of undergraduate trainees succeed in their career choices. FrA2RE begins with an introductory ‘Meet and Greet’ weekend, partnering with Co-I George Langford at the MBL (Octobers). Then after a year of structured research experiences, each year’s cohort completes the program with a Reunion. Five aims are proposed: I. Sponsor meaningful Structured Research Experiences. II. Ensure Biomedical Skills Competence for All Legally Eligible Participants. III. Demystify oversight requirements by training in responsible conduct of research (RCR). IV. Provide career planning and choices, particularly the possibility of them joining the NIA-NIH’s research workforce; and V. Evaluate, improve, and monitor FrA2RE’s strengths and avoid weaknesses with unbiased, quantitative, independent mechanisms. Thus, FrA2RE will continue to enhance and expand the research careers of the most promising scientists particularly NIA’s focus on improving the diagnoses, health, and well-being, among the elderly and those suffering from Alzheimer’s Dementia and Related Disorders and their caregivers, and biological, clinical, behavioral, social, aspects of aging.