Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research on the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity

标题：网络和扩大本科生对衰老的神经生物学研究，以促进多样性 （神经元老化） 摘要：NIA R25提案的目标是"网络化和扩大大学生研究， 衰老的神经生物学，以促进多样性（神经元老化）"是为了扩大感兴趣的研究人员库 在脑老化和阿尔茨海默病及相关痴呆症的生物医学，行为和临床方面， （ADRDs）通过本科研究活动，提高多样性。少数群体健康差距 老年人的认知结果是有据可查的，少数群体的老年人更多 可能会自我报告损伤并发展为痴呆症。医疗保健和研究专业， 然而，对于解决不同老年人群的临床需求， 不同的弱势群体。这是减少这些卫生不公平现象的一个重大障碍。因此 是一个迫切和未满足的需要，以支持教育管道计划，增加研究的多样性 和临床工作人员专注于了解和治疗脑老化和ADRD，以减少少数民族的健康 差距。目前的建议将扩大有兴趣从事研究的本科学员的人数 以及与理解和治疗脑老化和ADRD相关的临床职业，具有3个特定目标。目标1将 增加佛罗里达大学（UF）代表性不足的少数民族（URM）本科生的参与 在NIH资助的实验室进行关于衰老和ADRD的神经生物学的指导研究，并扩大 他们的研究网络，以促进对大脑衰老的兴趣。目标2将增加城市资源管理的代表性 从用友和非研究I机构以外的本科生在NIH资助的指导研究 实验室检查大脑老化和抗抑郁药。最后，利用各中心提供的机构配套资金， 佛罗里达大学的目标3将增加不同学生的数量， 顶尖的研究生课程通过证明12 - 24个月的学士后培训作为桥梁， 博士培训。拟议的教育和研究培训计划将具有以下可衡量的内容 目的：（1）培养学生对脑老化及相关疾病的认识 通过全年的指导和网络;（2）神经元老化的学生将有一个增加的感觉， 通过指导，实践研究培训的科学功效; 3）神经元老化的学生将有一个 增强对脑老化研究领域实验设计和数据解释的理解，（4） 神经老化的学生将通过在当地展示他们的研究来发展专业的沟通技巧， 全国;（5）神经元老化的学生将发展研究生和专业学校计划的认识 申请过程;和（6）大多数（> 50%）神经元老化的学生将被录取到研究生或 在获得学士学位后的两年内参加与老龄化有关的临床培训课程。

Title: Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research On the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity (NEURON-Aging) ABSTRACT: The goal of this NIA R25 proposal “Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research On the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity (NEURON-Aging)” is to expand the pool of researchers interested in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical aspects of brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) through undergraduate research activities that enhance diversity. Minority health disparities for cognitive outcomes in advanced age are well documented, with older adults from minority groups being more likely to self-report impairments and to develop dementia. Healthcare and research professions that are critical for addressing clinical needs in diverse elderly populations, however, have inadequate representation from diverse and disadvantaged groups. This is a significant barrier for mitigating these health inequities. Thus, there is an urgent and unmet need to support educational pipeline programs that increase the diversity of the research and clinical workforce focused on understanding and treating brain aging and ADRD to reduce minority health disparities. The current proposal will expand the pool of undergraduate trainees interested in pursuing research and clinical careers related to understanding and treating brain aging and ADRD with 3 Specific Aims. Aim 1 will increase the participation of University of Florida (UF) underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduate students conducting mentored research on the neurobiology of aging and ADRDs in NIH-funded laboratories and expand their research network to facilitate an interest in brain aging. Aim 2 will increase the representation of URM undergraduates from outside UF and non-Research I Institutions conducting mentored research in NIH-funded laboratories examining brain aging and ADRDs. Finally, using institutional matching funds provided by Centers and Institutes at the University of Florida, Aim 3 will increase the numbers of diverse students proceeding on to top graduate programs focused on brain aging by proving 12-24 months of postbaccalaureate training as a bridge to PhD training. The proposed education and research training program will have the following measurable objectives: (1) NEURON-Aging students will develop an appreciation for brain aging and related diseases through year-round mentorship and networking; (2) NEURON-Aging students will have an increased sense of scientific efficacy through mentored, hands-on research training; 3) NEURON-Aging students will have an enhanced understanding of experimental design and data interpretation in brain aging-research areas, (4) NEURON-Aging students will develop professional communication skills by presenting their research locally and nationally; (5) NEURON-Aging students will develop awareness of graduate and professional school program application processes; and (6) The majority (>50%) of NEURON-Aging students will matriculate into graduate or clinical training programs related to aging within two years of receiving their Bachelor's degree.