Research and Education in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementias Initiative for Equity (READDIE)

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Abstract

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) Research and Education in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias Initiative for Excellence (READDIE; pronounced “ready”) Program is designed to facilitate postbaccalaureate trainees’ entry into and completion of PhD programs in Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). READDIE leverages our longstanding experience with development of successful programs that prepare post-baccalaureates and undergraduates to attain the PhD, and the unique combination of existing strengths and resources of the WFUSM’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, and Maya Angelou Research Center for Healthy Communities. A one-year training plan will begin in the summer, to allow students to acclimate to the program and select their research mentors and projects prior to the beginning of coursework. Activities during the year will enhance progression towards a PhD program by demonstrating research and academic proficiency prior to fall application dates, with a second year available if needed to solidify science identity and self-efficacy as ADRD researchers. We will expose trainees to varied career paths related to ADRD research, coupled with innovative career counseling to facilitate longterm retention in ADRD research. The READDIE goals are to 1) engage post-baccalaureate scholars in mentored research experiences and related activities to capture and further stimulate enthusiasm for research in ADRD and brain health, and to develop the necessary critical thinking and analytical skills to conduct research that will foster greater science identity and confidence in the research setting; 2) expose scholars to a rigorous graduate research environment with strengths in team science, community engagement, and community health research; 3) equip scholars with key professional and technical skills necessary for graduate study; and 4) enroll scholars into rigorous graduate research programs for successful completion of the PhD or MD/PhD in ADRD research areas. Over the past 10 years, READDIE program faculty have served as advisors for 40% of the WFU Graduate School (WFUGS) Biomedical Sciences PhDs awarded in ADRD/related fields. Research mentors are well-funded (>$500,000 average in ADRD science per investigator) and 55% have formal mentoring training. Specific Measurable Objectives are to have: >95% of READDIE Scholars apply to PhD programs; >75% enroll in PhD or MD/PhD programs related to ADRD; >95% retention in post-READDIE PhD or MD/PhD programs; and 90% retained in ADRD research-intensive or research-related careers. For over 30 years, WFUSM college and post-baccalaureate programs have increased the number of students entering and completing PhD programs at WFUGS and nationally, through dedication and substantial expertise in research skills training, professional development, socialization and continued mentoring, with a demonstrated record of successful implementation and continuous improvement of our training programs.