PROGRAM SUMMARY
The HU-ERA program is designed to select and train a diverse group of recent baccalaureate graduates for
research careers in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), leveraging the well-established HU-
ADAR program and other related initiatives at Howard University. Trainees will be provided with intensive,
mentored research experiences and professional development activities to expand expertise skills relevant to
ADRD-focused biomedical research, including critical thinking, ethical determinations, quantitative and analytical
assessments, and science communication skills; thereby promoting trainees’ self-efficacy and self-identity as
proficient, biomedical researchers. Training activities for each cohort of HU-ERA trainees will span a 2-year cycle.
The main training component is full-time, intensive biomedical research work in an ADRD-focused laboratory,
guided by a dedicated mentor. Additional critical training components include: an Aging Brain course; an
AD/ADAR seminar series; a course on responsible conduct of research and ethics; workshops on various
research-related topics including data interpretation, rigor, and reproducibility; and other professional skill-
building activities. Host research mentors and other participating faculty of the HU-ERA program have rigorous
neuroscience research programs and records of training and mentoring those from diverse cultural, racial
backgrounds, and self-identified orientations. Mentors are motivated to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility in their work and research environments and are aligned with the HU-ERA program mission to
increase underrepresented minority representation in the ADRD biomedical research workforce and leadership
positions. Previous research experience and interests of each trainee are deciding factors for mentee/mentor
pairings. By the completion of the 2-year research training program, HU-ERA scholars will be uniquely and
competitively prepared to transition into research-focused advanced degree programs or competitive private-
sector research careers in ADRD-related disciplines. A set of well-defined professional development activities
will be implemented to facilitate the transition of HU-ERA scholars into high-level biomedical science research
careers including workshops on resume/CV building, scientific presentation skills, graduate school funding, and
interview skills. HU-ERA postbaccalaureates will also have access to HU-sponsored GRE & MCAT review
courses. All elements of the HU-ERA program will be assessed by internal and external evaluators at multiple,
specific time points with the guidance of a professional evaluator. Overall program achievements will be
determined by measures of matriculation of scholars into PhD and/or MD programs within institutions having
strong AD/ADRD research programs, or attainment of ADRD-research positions within the private sector.
Ultimate success will be demonstrated by scholars’ completion of PhD/MD programs, and subsequent work and
contributions as ADRD biomedical scientists to the understanding and development of therapeutic strategies for
ADRD.
