Cross-disciplinary research opportunity for training in AD/ADRD science (CROSSROADS)

University Of Miami School Of Medicine, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary There are more than 6 million cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) reported in the US, of which 10% live in Florida, making Florida the second leading state with the highest prevalence of AD. This number will rapidly grow, creating an urgent need to address this AD/ADRD public health crisis. This crisis is further exacerbated by a massive shortage of trained physicians and scientists caring for this vulnerable population. The proposed T32 program: Cross-disciplinary Research Opportunity for Training in AD/ADRD Science (CrossROADS) is a 2-year program at the University of Miami (UM), leveraging our experience implementing academic training programs over the past 20 years. The overall goal is to increase the number of diverse AD/ADRD investigators- leaders in cross-disciplinary clinical and translational research, who can rapidly translate, implement and disseminate discoveries to practice and community. CrossROADS graduates will be capable to address the special health challenges and health disparities of the diverse AD/ADRD patients and caregivers we serve through team science and collaborations in partnerships with AD/ADRD community partners and stakeholders. CrossROADS is designed to select outstanding diverse, clinical, biomedical, and psychosocial science postdoctoral trainees, and provide a high-quality, research and leadership training program for the next generation of diverse AD/ADRD scientists. The Objectives are to: (1) Develop and administer a 2-year cross- disciplinary research training program in AD/ADRD for 12 postdoctoral candidates with overrepresentation of minority scientists from diverse backgrounds; (2) Provide an evidence-informed mentorship through collaborative and individually tailored cross-disciplinary mentorship. Each trainee will be assigned to a mentorship team comprised of an experienced Primary Mentor, Peer Mentor, and as required, additional clinical or career development mentors from diverse backgrounds to facilitate trainees’ socialization and integration in the academic cross-disciplinary research environment; and (3) Create opportunities to transition to career independence through career advising, coaching and sponsorshi, strategies to enhance career visibility and competitiveness, and professional development with leadership training. We will integrate our trainees in our successful institutional training programs and collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and safe environment fostering team science and diversity equity, and inclusion (DEI). We will also include DEI principles and a culture of belonging and value in all aspects and at levels of the CrossROADS program. The Leadership Team will rigorously evaluate the impact of the CrossROADS program on training of independent cross-disciplinary and diverse scientists-leaders, their mastery of core competencies, and their impact in AD/ADRD communities.