ASPIRE: Alzheimer’s Summer Program Inspiring Research Engagement

About This Grant

ABSTRACT The ASPIRE: Alzheimer’s Summer Program Inspiring Research Engagement (T35 mechanism) at the Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rutgers is designed to inspire and prepare medical students to pursue careers in bridging ADRD research and clinical care. This summer program offers 10-week, full-time immersive research experiences to 10 medical students per summer, under the mentorship of 10 accomplished scientists. These mentors, with active NIH funding portfolios and proven mentoring success, ensure trainees receive high-quality guidance and sufficient resources. The program will establish internal and external advisory committees to ensure optimal learning goals for the students in ADRD research. Participants will engage in research projects spanning epidemiological observational studies, lifestyle and medication clinical trials, data analyses of "big data" (including “omics” and medical chart data), digital health innovations, and basic science (animal, cellular/molecular, neural stem cell and human postmortem tissue systems studies). This hands-on experience will be complemented by exposure to data science and biostatistics through dedicated meetings with a program biostatistician, equipping students with basic yet practical analytical skills essential for addressing complex challenges in ADRD research. The program emphasizes the responsible conduct of research, including practices that enhance rigor and transparency in human subjects and animals research. Students will also participate in the ADRD Translational Work in Progress series, engaging in open discussions and critiques of scientific materials such as grant aims and hypothesis development. This interactive environment motivates critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific communication skills. Internal and External Advisory Committees, each including world-class researchers in neurodegeneration and ADRD, will meet annually to monitor program progress and provide recommendations for improvement. This oversight ensures alignment with the highest standards of mentorship while maximizing each student’s research experience. The program culminates in a symposium where trainees present their research findings, further refining their scientific communication skills. By exposing medical students to ADRD research early in their clinician careers, the program addresses the critical need for developing future physician-scientists dedicated to ADRD, a condition that disproportionately affects older adults, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. The program aims to cultivate future leaders who will advance innovative research, ultimately promoting state-of-the-art, compassionate care for ADRD patients and improving health outcomes for the rapidly growing geriatric population.