GATORAADE: Gators Advancing Through Opportunities in Research for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Education

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Gators Advancing Through Opportunities in Research for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Education (GATORAADE) Program aims to expand the pool of researchers and healthcare workers interested in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The program focuses on increasing diversity in the research and clinical workforce dedicated to cognitive aging and ADRD as a way to contribute to address the increasingly dire burden of cognitive health disparities. The GATORAADE program will target undergraduate students in their final year and will offer a tailored postbaccalaureate program. Students will be expertly matched with research mentors aligned with their professional goals, will be provided personalized career mentorship and hands-on laboratory experience and extensive resources. Additionally, GATORAADE trainees will complete an academic curriculum that covers brain aging, ADRD, and minority health disparities. Our Objectives for GATORAADE trainees include:1) to develop an understanding of cognitive aging and ADRD research through mentorship, didactic instruction, and networking opportunities; 2) to enhance the trainee’s scientific efficacy via mentored hands-on research training in aging and ADRD; 3) to foster an understanding of experimental design and data interpretation in cognitive aging research; 4) to cultivate professional communication skills through research presentations at conferences; 5) to facilitate awareness of graduate and professional school alternatives tailored to the trainee’s career goals and to coach them through the application processs; 6) to promote matriculation into graduate or clinical training programs related to aging and ADRD. Overall, the GATORAADE program emphasizes three core competencies: 1) Technical development of research skills in aging and ADRD, with 20 students receiving year-round hands-on laboratory training (up to two years) guided by a personalized mentorship committee; 2) Didactic instruction of foundational knowledge in aging and ADRD mechanisms through a 12-credit academic program, after which students will obtain a Uiversity of Florida (UF) Online Biomedical Neuroscience Certificate; 3) Preparation in useful scientific skills for career advancement in aging and ADRD research and related healthcare fields, including effective communication and support throughout graduate/professional school applications. The GATORAADE program aims to bridge representation gaps and empower a diverse workforce in brain aging and ADRD fields. By combining research experiences, academic instruction, and career development support and coaching, GATORAADE trainees will be equipped with foundational knowledge and meaningful skills to pursue graduate or clinical training programs. Retaining these diverse individuals will contribute to reduce health disparities and to improve our chances of combatting aging related neurological conditions.