Investigators from Novices, a Transdisciplinary Research Education Program to Increase Diversity (INTREPID) in Aging Research

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT To create a representative paradigm on aging, research participants need to include individuals from underrepresented populations. Overall, the percentage of the US population of adults aged 65 years and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 while those 85 years and older will almost triple in the same time frame. Similarly, the overall US population percentages, based upon race and ethnicity are expected to increase for people declaring only Black/African American, Hispanic, and Asian. Throughout the lifespan, differential health gaps and disparities by race and ethnicity are readily identified in the morbidity and mortality data for communicable and non-communicable diseases. To fully understand and address the complexities of aging among the growing minority population in the US, research studies need to determine the underlying mechanisms contributing to the identified health disparities, and test culturally appropriate interventions. One suggested solution to ensure these imperatives are met is to increase the numbers of minority researchers who engage in aging research. Researchers from underrepresented groups that share experiential similarities with study participants, improve the quantity and quality of research engagement by participants, and provide critical insight to more accurately shape an inclusive aging paradigm. However, MSTEM scientists are not racially or ethnically representative of the general population. In order to increase minority researchers in aging and to fully understand the complexities of aging among the growing minority population in the US, we propose an intervention tailored to support MSTEM students from racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women in biomedical disciplines with disproportionately low numbers of women. Investigators from Novices, a Transdisciplinary Research Education Program to Increase Diversity (INTREPID) in Aging Research will move the students toward engaging in aging research. Framed by Tinto's model on student persistence in college, INTREPID will provide MSTEM-students a supportive environment for their successful undergraduate completion, and pursuit of a graduate research degree. Curriculum based on the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework, offered over two summer institutes of 45 hours each will promote student affinity toward older adults and provide a foundation for their engagement in the research process. Faculty from the University of Central Florida's transdisciplinary Disability, Aging and Technology (DAT) Cluster will provide a mentor-mentee matched hands-on research experience that has linkages to the student's MSTEM major, and establishes and builds the student's identity as a scientist. The measurable outcomes of INTREPID aim to increase the number of underrepresented and disadvantaged students who, gain an identity as a scientist, complete their undergraduate MSTEM degrees, and advance to graduate research programs to prepare them to study health disparities in aging.