Research Education Core

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The overarching goal of the UM Pepper Center Research Education Core (REC) is to recruit, select, support, mentor, and train early career faculty to become independent investigators in aging-related research and academic leaders in geriatrics and gerontology within their respective disciplines. A key objective is to train the next generation of investigators regarding the UM Pepper Center focus which is to improve understanding of how metabolic factors, infections, and inflammation interact with age-related diseases and comorbidities to determine key health outcomes related to mobility and functional status across populations. The REC continues to draw from a substantial pool of UM early career faculty from a wide range of disciplines across the UM campus who are doing research relevant to the UM Pepper Center focus to participate in the proposed REC training activities. Leadership of the REC will include Dr. Neil Alexander who will continue to serve as REC Leader and Co-Leaders Dr. Karvonen-Gutierrez and Dr. Min. Aim 1: Recruit, select, and train REC Scholars. We will support four promising REC Scholars per year of this award. A continued key priority and focus for the REC is to provide salary-support for a variety of REC scholars (e.g., clinical and PhDs) working on projects related to the UM Pepper Center focus. We will work with RRCEC to support REC scholars in leveraging existing resources to conduct research among older adults. Aim 2: Provide career development enhancement for REC Scholars and other UM early career faculty. REC activities will include sponsorship and expansion of key programs: 1) the REC seminar program with sessions regarding aging research, leadership, and career development; 2) the REC annual mock NIH study section research retreat; and 3) the annual UM Geriatrics Center-wide research symposium. We will continue to expand our collaborations with the NIA-funded Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center (MADC) and the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR) which provides opportunities to participate in the mock study section and training on education and mentoring, respectively. The REC will guide the identification of the REC scholar mentorship teams and help finalize career development plans. Aim 3: Evaluate REC Scholar progress and mentorship. REC funded scholars will participate in ongoing evaluations leveraging Scholar, mentors and REC leadership meetings. The evaluation plan centers on a tailored career development and mentorship plan, including discrete elements (writing, presentations, grant writing) directed to each Scholar’s needs. The REC leadership will monitor publications and grant proposal output every six months, using the customized plan as the benchmark for progress. Evaluations will also include an examination of the mentor and mentee interactions. First year scholar evaluations will be reviewed by the REC Advisory Committee (REC-AC) to ensure sufficient progress for a second year of funding.