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.
