Aging can be perceived to bring with it a number of health challenges that take away the grace of aging like fine wine.
Appalachian Gerontology Experiences – Advancing Diversity in Aging Research Scholars Program, a WVU program focused on training undergraduate students to apply medical and STEM skills to solve health issues facing the aged, has announced the commencement of applications for its summer 2023 cohort.
The program will hold a virtual open house from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. During this session, detailed information about the program as well as questions from participants will be answered.
Register for AGE-ADAR virtual open house.
AGE-ADAR is funded by the National Institute on Aging under the National Institutes of Health. WVU was awarded a $1.7 million, five-year grant to prepare underrepresented students from medical and STEM fields for a future career in health disparities and aging research.
Principal Investigator Julie Patrick said the program’s first cohort has excelled beyond marks in terms of research profile.
“The first cohort has exceeded our expectations for scholarly production,” Patrick said. “Collectively, five have already been published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals. In addition to summer poster presentations, they have also presented in 24 other state, regional, and national presentations. They are actively working in STEM-related research positions this year and are well-poised to succeed in graduate and medical programs.”
AGE-ADAR also serves as a training ground to groom scholars who would use their research to solve varying health issues and disparities related to aging in the Appalachia.
“We know that Appalachia in general, and West Virginia in particular, are considered to be medically-underserved,” Patrick said. “Training scholars to apply their medical, scientific, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to solve health-related issues facing older residents is a service to the state and the region.”
In addition to research, students in the program take part in courses and workshops focused on written and oral communication skills as well as professional development.