# Multidisciplinary Research Training in Gerontology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2021 · $609,468

## Abstract

Abstract
This USC multidisciplinary research training program in Gerontology provides predoctoral and postdoctoral
training within key disciplines in aging. Trainees become expert in one aspect of aging while also learning
about the theory and methodological approaches of related disciplines so they can incorporate multidisciplinary
thinking and models in their own research. Predoctoral training can be in Biology, Gerontology, Psychology,
Neuroscience, Policy, and Medicine. Postdoctoral students can be appointed in these fields as well as
Economics, Neurology, and several multidisciplinary research institutes. The program focuses on physical and
cognitive health and the lifecycle circumstances influencing health. Current emphases of the program reflect
the research strengths of current faculty: cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer disease and related
disorders; emotional change associated with the aging process; physical and functional change across the
lifespan; the role of social, contextual, environmental and institutional factors in promoting or delaying physical
and cognitive changes; the biological pathways, including the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, promoting
or delaying changes in physical and cognitive health.
 The training program is housed in the Davis School of Gerontology which is devoted to the study of
aging; training is directed by a multidisciplinary faculty across the University who are linked in many ways
because of their focus on aging research. The environment is rich with resources and research opportunities.
Training is accomplished through completion of (1) disciplinary degree requirements for the Ph.D.; (2)
participation in multidisciplinary courses on health and aging and research on Alzheimer disease; (3) training in
appropriate methods and analytic techniques; (4) research experience within and across disciplines; (5) close
mentoring relationships between trainees and one or more preceptors; (6) participation of trainees in training
experiences such as courses, workshops and professional meetings; and (7) support of trainees to develop
individual research profiles, publish papers, and make presentations at professional meetings. The program
goal is to develop scholars with independent research careers who become leading scholars in in the science
of aging.
 The program draws from a large pool of talented students. Almost all students who enter the program
complete it successfully and the program has produced a number of leaders and emerging leaders in aging-
related research, a number of whom are diverse scholars. Support is requested for 5 predoctoral trainees, who
will generally be supported for 3 years, and 5 postdoctoral trainees, who will generally be supported for 2
years.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10172809
- **Project number:** 5T32AG000037-43
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** EILEEN M CRIMMINS
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $609,468
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1977-09-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10172809

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10172809, Multidisciplinary Research Training in Gerontology (5T32AG000037-43). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10172809. Licensed CC0.

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