Research Training in the Neuroscience of Aging

Project Summary The program on Research Training in the Neuroscience of Aging provides predoctoral students in Neuroscience with an integrated training experience in the laboratories of nationally and internationally recognized faculty. The predoctoral training program builds on an exciting, translationally relevant curriculum taught in years one and two of graduate school that has been awarded NIH support through the Jointly Sponsored Predoctoral Early Stage T32 Training Program mechanism (T32 MH087004). This training program is the first at Mount Sinai to focus specifically on the neuroscience of aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases (primarily Alzheimer's disease), complementing Mount Sinai's historical concentration and strength in research in these areas. Outstanding training faculty in this program share common research interests in the mechanisms of brain function in health and disease, employing a diversity of experimental approaches and working at levels of analysis ranging from molecular neurobiology to human neuropsychology and neuroimaging. The training program specifically encourages participation of faculty mentors whose research grants directly focus on aging neuroscience research, while not excluding those whose research expertise is critically important for the interdisciplinary training we seek to impart. Through their coursework, predoctoral trainees will have received a solid foundation in basic neurobiology and the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric diseases, as well as biostatistics and the responsible conduct of research. Advanced coursework includes two seminar courses, one on the biology of aging and one on the neuroscience of aging, complementing the broad foundational coursework in neuroscience. Selection of a research mentor is made in a collaborative environment that actively promotes multidisciplinary, integrative research. Research training also has a ‘work in progress’ component, to foster important interdisciplinary interactions, hone presentation and writing skills, and improve awareness of ethical issues. This program began in September of 2015 with 4 predoctoral training slots and to date has supported 8 students, 2 of whom have already competed their PhD training. Using this approach, the program on Research Training in the Neuroscience of Aging provides predoctoral students with the guidance and experimental tools, in the laboratories of our training faculty, to launch successful, productive, and independent careers in aging research.