Christiaan Leeuwenburgh Ph.D.
OAIC Research Education Core (Core leaders: Drs. Fillingim and Leeuwenburgh). Promoting the development of independent investigators in interdisciplinary research on aging, this Core emphasizes competency-based development of research and leadership skills. Core resources are integrated with other internal and external sources for career support, including UF support; NIH and non-NIH career-development awards; minority supplements; research awards and fellowships; and the CTSI. Specifically, the leaders of the OAIC Research Education Core and Leadership and Administration Core will work closely together to: (1) provide pilot grant support and a tailored career-development plan for each mentee; (2) offer a formal training strategy that emphasizes the integration of clinical sciences toward translational research and facilitates interactions across the OAIC and their cores; (3) compose a formal mentorship program; and (4) monitor trainees’ research process using milestones and achievements
The UF Older Americans Independence Center’s Research Education Core (OAIC REC) promotes the development of independent investigators in interdisciplinary research on aging relevant to the independence of older Americans. This core emphasizes the development of leadership skills for translating basic findings into clinical research and clinical findings into basic research.
The REC supports the research training of OAIC Junior Scholars. The Junior Scholars span the spectrum from being not yet funded, to having an external career development award or equivalent, to advanced trainees who already obtained grants that provide substantial salary support.
Under the direction of the REC Core leader, each Junior Scholar has assembled a mentoring committee with one primary mentor and 2-4 secondary mentors. The trainees and mentors meet regularly to discuss and strategically plan the research agenda, training and development activities and trajectory for independent funding. Scholars may expect to have a portion of their salary and research activities sponsored by the Core.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS (funding is contingent upon meeting these requirements and available funds)
- Attendance at all UF Aging Seminars
- Attendance at monthly Scholar “Roundtable Research” Seminars
- Twice annual Scholar Progress Reports based on meeting with mentoring committee
- Integration with projects/papers with other REC scholars
- Progress towards acquiring independent research support
- Your independent research should “intertwine” with our UF OAIC theme of “Sarcopenia and Prevention of Disability”
HOW TO APPLY
- Consult with the core leader or co-leaders on your potential to become and REC scholar and application process. This should also include a discussion with your current primary mentor and department Chair.
- The application should contain the following :
- An updated CV
- Summary paragraph of how your involvement in the REC will address the UF OAIC theme of “Sarcopenia and Prevention of Disability” and enhance your own research program
- Propose a mentoring committee. This should be after consultation with Dr. Leeuwenburgh and your current Primary Mentor.
- Propose any additional coursework you think will enhance your career development.Strong encouragement is given to clinical researchers (especially MDs).