Research Education Component

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The WF OAIC Research Education Component (REC) seeks to foster talented researchers’ independence in a challenging academic environment, and to support the development of the translational skills needed to conduct multi-disciplinary research consonant with the WF OAIC theme, “Integrating pathways affecting physical function for new approaches to disability treatment and prevention.” Led by national research leaders, Drs. Denise Houston and Heidi Klepin, the WF OAIC REC recruits promising and diverse early-career faculty and creates an individualized career development plan for each REC Scholar’s needs based on prior education, experience, strengths and weaknesses, and personal goals. The plans include: a) a well-designed research project, integrated with the OAIC’s theme, to initiate an independent line of research; b) a formal, individualized educational and skill acquisition plan with exposure across the translational spectrum and opportunities for leadership, ethical and administrative development; c) a robust team-based mentorship program to foster translational approaches; and d) a rigorous monitoring process using specific milestones of achievements. The Specific Aims of the WF OAIC REC are: 1) to recruit, support, and mentor early career faculty (REC Scholars) with a demonstrated commitment to an aging research career by providing financial support and a tailored mentorship, research and educational program emphasizing the development of skills and competencies necessary to build an independent career in collaborative and interdisciplinary aging research; and 2) to monitor progress of REC Scholars using specific milestones of expected achievements, and improve REC programs through an on-going evaluation process. Formative and summative evaluations encompassing REC activities, interactions with other OAIC components, and interactions with university-wide career development activities will be used to improve and refine REC-sponsored activities. In this cycle, we are proposing to implement four new or enhanced activities that build upon our previous successful innovations or are in response to evaluative feedback from previous or current scholars: 1) Translational Catalyst Meetings; 2) Research Design Studios; 3) Virtual Cross-OAIC Scholar Spotlight Series; and a 4) Geriatric Assessment Boot Camp. Through its programs and activities, the WF OAIC REC trains interdisciplinary scientists in team-based collaborative approaches in order to discover, evaluate, and translate innovative approaches to preserve function and prevent and treat disability.