Research Education Component

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

REVISED Abstract Research Education Component (REC) The REC core serves as the central scientific research and training component in our Center for Health in Cognitive Aging – Joining Population Science and Health Promotion (CHECA). The REC will be responsible for the solicitation, peer review, and selection of pilot studies that are consistent with the thematic foci of CHECA (Aim 1). The REC will facilitate the development of the IDP (Individual Development Plan), foster career development and networking opportunities, and provide continuous mentoring of early-career CHECA Scientists conducting pilot studies (Aim 2). Having identified exceptionally well-qualified faculty as REC leads (Aim 3), the REC will recruit researchers from various backgrounds to serve as potential mentors (Program Faculty) for the Scientists (Aim 4). The REC will also develop criteria for identifying and recruiting early-career Scientists to broaden the pool of potential CHECA Scientists (Aims 5 and 6). The REC will develop a core set of workshops for each CHECA cohort and implement a mandatory plan for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Additionally, REC will develop a comprehensive plan that incorporates baseline measures and tracks both short- and long-term outcomes to evaluate the success of the REC activities (Aims 7 and 8). CHECA will be multidisciplinary with mentors bridging across disciplines and providing support in RCMAR Scientists’ home departments, and will incorporate mentor and mentee training. The pilot awards are funded up to $50,000 for one year and should be designed to collect preliminary data in support of a K-award or an R-level grant. We will develop an individualized mentoring program that will provide needed social support, optimize the use of existing campus support resources, and identify gaps in those resources and work to fill them. We will work with each RCMAR Scientist to improve communication skills and time management. Mentors will provide psychosocial support functions (e.g., emotional support and role modeling. The CHECA REC program includes the following cohort components: 1) Orientation bootcamp during which they will be connected with content mentors and the analysis core. 2) Mentor-guided individual development plan. 3) Development workshops and grant writers' groups. 4) Networking opportunities. 5) Mentor development workshops. The long-term goal of the Center/REC is to develop a cohort of CHECA Alumni Scientists (those who have completed pilot projects) who will establish independent research programs and contribute to the advancement of the field by mentoring future early career investigators in AD/ADRD behavioral and social science research.