Postbaccalaureate Alzheimer's Disease Development Initiative (PADDI) - In Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) research, there is a lack of ethnic/racial diversity at every level, from investigators to regulators, monitors and clinical research coordinators and administrators. In this R25, we propose to address this issue by developing and implementing the Postbac Alzheimer’s Disease Development Initiative (PADDI), a comprehensive two-year program, to train postbacs about issues related to the design and implementation of AD/ADRC research methodologies, and the ethical conduct of research. The Mount Sinai ADRC, which has been funded since 1984, is an ideal host for this training endeavor. Based on our collective experiences, which include decades of teaching, mentoring, directing training programs, curriculum development, outreach and recruitment for a wide range of ADRD studies, and supervising trainees at all levels, we know that early engagement in science coupled with clinical experience with those with cognitive impairment leads to a motivated generation of allies, staff, clinicians and investigators with the passion and commitment to address these diseases. We will partner with the numerous training environments at Mount Sinai to provide educational opportunities for the postbacs and collaborate with several ADRC, Mount Sinai, and community outreach resources to attract young college graduates interested in a scientific career. PADDI researchers will spend 75% of their time as clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and 25% of their time in didactics and other professional development activities. The proposed program will include the design of a comprehensive recruitment, mentorship and career development strategy that targets recent college graduates from local public universities and colleges . Curriculum will encompass training in fundamentals across three areas including clinical, research and regulatory processes. PADDI will provide hands-on clinical research training and promote the development of scientific communication and leadership skills. Professional networking opportunities will be provided through collaboration with other MSHS training programs. The program will provide mentor training and evaluate their success. We will implement robust administrative, evaluation and tracking mechanisms to gauge the PADDI program’s success and incorporate feedback from our Advisory Committee. Finally, PADDI program results and materials will be disseminated online and presented at relevant meetings and workshops.
