Expanding knowledge on the best ways to prevent and treat aging-related functional decline and on the onset of chronic disease, including dementia, requires quality research performed by competent and experienced research scientists. This training program will provide resources for postdoctoral trainees to develop a research career through practical experience with an experienced mentor and through additional formal education. Scholars will emerge from the program with a scientific understanding of the pathways leading to aging-related disability, and with a specific set of technical research skills, enhancing the overall development of future research leaders in aging and dementia-related research.
This program is housed in the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention (CHAPP) (Directors: Drs. Stephen Kritchevsky and Suzanne Craft); all Program Faculty are members of the CHAAP. In addition, there are seven other academic entities (Centers, Departments, or Divisions/Sections) affiliated with our T32. These academic units and faculty represent the full breadth of research activities relevant for the proposed training program with ample resources/facilities and training opportunities accessible to trainees.
Program Goals
To help develop a new generation of researchers by providing an integrated career development path centered on training PhD/MD fellows in the skills and competencies needed to conduct translational research with a focus on the prevention of physical and cognitive disability. This programs unique and seamless integration of both aging and ADRD research within the CHAAP and the Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM) Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine provides the ideal environment to facilitate trainees’ knowledge of the biological contributions and risk factors for aging-related changes in physical and cognitive function, and their inter-connectedness.
Fellows gain knowledge, skills and competencies in:
- Scientific knowledge in the fields of aging and brain biology, geroscience, ADRD, and clinical geriatric outcomes
- Competencies needed to successfully and ethically conduct preclinical experiments, clinical trials, and/or longitudinal cohort studies of relevance to older adults
- Experience and expertise in the measurement of cognitive and/or physical disability outcomes
- Specific technical or methodological skills in line with their individual interests
Program Benefit Highlights
- Salary is commensurate with experience according to NIH stipend levels
- Monthly self-care wellness exercises
