Research Education Component

Abstract Research Education Component (REC) The REC serves as the research education component and pilot studies core. The REC core serves as the central components scientific training of our Center for Health Equity in Cognitive Aging – Joining Population Science and Health Promotion (CHECA) Scientists.

The REC will be responsible for identifying priority topic areas for targeting pilot research that are consistent with the thematic foci CHECA (Aim 1), and soliciting the call for pilot studies, peer-review, and selection of the top CHECA Scientists (Aims 2 and 3). The REC will provide support to CHECA Scientists and CHECA mentors (Program Faculty) and provide continuous

monitoring of ongoing pilots studies (Aim 4). The REC will serve as the primary mentorship component of CHECA and has developed a core set of workshops for the each CHECA cohort. The REC further guides the development of the IDP (personalized education plan), career development, and networking opportunities (Aim 5). CHECA will be multidisciplinary with

diverse mentors bridging across disciplines and provides support in RCMAR Scientists’ home- departments and will incorporate mentor and mentee training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and adaptation (Aim 6). The pilot awards are funded up to $50,000 for one year and should be designed to collect preliminary data in support of a K-award or an R-level grant. RCMAR

Scientists received guidance and mentorship via individualized mentoring plans. The unique needs of URM CHECA faculty Scientists will be addressed using a mentor and cohort model. We will develop an individualized mentoring program that will provide needed social support and optimize the use of existing campus support resources as well as identity gaps in those

resources and work to fill them. We will work with each RCMAR Scientist to improve communication skills and time management. Mentors will provide psychosocial support functions, (e.g., emotional support and role modeling. The CHECA REC program includes the following cohort components: 1) Orientation bootcamp during which they will be connected with

content mentors and the analyses core. 2) Mentor guided individual development plan. 3) Development workshops and grant writers' groups. 4) Networking opportunities. 5) Mentor development workshops.