Support and Preparation for an Alzheimer's Research Career

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are the leading cause of dementia in those over the age of 65, leading to progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Although the National Plan to address AD seeks to accelerate research toward treatments, there is a shortage of scientists necessary to conduct a wide

variety of interdisciplinary research projects. The Buck Institute's Support and Preparation for an Alzheimer's Research Career (SPARC) Program will address this need by recruiting a diverse group of postbaccalaureates and training them in a geroscience-inspired approach to ADRD research. This interdisciplinary approach will

investigate the contribution of common processes governing aging on the development of ADRD. The diverse research expertise and collaborative culture of the Buck Institute provide a unique training environment to ensure the next generation of researchers in the field are provided the knowledge and skills to reduce the

burden of ADRD. The SPARC Program will be designed to increase participation of students from underrepresented groups in ADRD research and prepare them for additional training in advanced degree programs or private sector research careers in AD-related disciplines. Recent college graduates will be recruited using college and university online programs, such as Handshake and Simplicity. Partnerships with

non-profit organizations that support underrepresented students, such as Students Rising Above and Biotech Partners, will enhance recruiting efforts. A one-month Introductory Training Period will familiarize postbaccalaureates to core research concepts, and shadowing opportunities in prospective host labs will

ensure strong mentor-mentee matches during the eleven-month mentored research project, which will continue to be bolstered by training activities. Foremost, a mock grant proposal writing assignment and mock study section will provide framework for SPARC Researchers to digest literature associated with their project as well

as develop their scientific writing skills. Oral presentation skills will be practiced with presentations to both a lay and scientific audience. In addition to serving as a training opportunity for SPARC Researchers, the lay audience presentation also will provide an outreach opportunity to introduce local high school and college

students to ADRD research and career opportunities. The scientific writing and presentation assignments not only will help SPARC Researchers understand their projects better but also prepare them for discussion of their research in future applications and interviews. Mentors will provide additional career support both during

and after completion of the program through application feedback, interview practice, and networking introductions. Training alumni can provide additional peer support through job or advanced degree program advice, application or interview suggestions, and alternative career options. In summary, the training provided

by the Buck Institute's SPARC Program will recruit and prepare a cohort of students from underrepresented groups for further advanced studies or a career in geroscience-inspired ADRD research.