The Howard University Expanding Research in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (HU-ERA-PREP)

Howard University, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

PROGRAM SUMMARY The HU-ERA program is designed to select and train a diverse group of recent baccalaureate graduates for research careers in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), leveraging the well-established HU- ADAR program and other related initiatives at Howard University. Trainees will be provided with intensive, mentored research experiences and professional development activities to expand expertise skills relevant to ADRD-focused biomedical research, including critical thinking, ethical determinations, quantitative and analytical assessments, and science communication skills; thereby promoting trainees’ self-efficacy and self-identity as proficient, biomedical researchers. Training activities for each cohort of HU-ERA trainees will span a 2-year cycle. The main training component is full-time, intensive biomedical research work in an ADRD-focused laboratory, guided by a dedicated mentor. Additional critical training components include: an Aging Brain course; an AD/ADAR seminar series; a course on responsible conduct of research and ethics; workshops on various research-related topics including data interpretation, rigor, and reproducibility; and other professional skill- building activities. Host research mentors and other participating faculty of the HU-ERA program have rigorous neuroscience research programs and records of training and mentoring those from diverse cultural, racial backgrounds, and self-identified orientations. Mentors are motivated to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in their work and research environments and are aligned with the HU-ERA program mission to increase underrepresented minority representation in the ADRD biomedical research workforce and leadership positions. Previous research experience and interests of each trainee are deciding factors for mentee/mentor pairings. By the completion of the 2-year research training program, HU-ERA scholars will be uniquely and competitively prepared to transition into research-focused advanced degree programs or competitive private- sector research careers in ADRD-related disciplines. A set of well-defined professional development activities will be implemented to facilitate the transition of HU-ERA scholars into high-level biomedical science research careers including workshops on resume/CV building, scientific presentation skills, graduate school funding, and interview skills. HU-ERA postbaccalaureates will also have access to HU-sponsored GRE & MCAT review courses. All elements of the HU-ERA program will be assessed by internal and external evaluators at multiple, specific time points with the guidance of a professional evaluator. Overall program achievements will be determined by measures of matriculation of scholars into PhD and/or MD programs within institutions having strong AD/ADRD research programs, or attainment of ADRD-research positions within the private sector. Ultimate success will be demonstrated by scholars’ completion of PhD/MD programs, and subsequent work and contributions as ADRD biomedical scientists to the understanding and development of therapeutic strategies for ADRD.