# Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STARU)

> **NIH NIH R25** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2022 · $406,852

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
As the population of older adults increases dramatically, age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) and other degenerative disorders present a great public health burden, currently affecting an estimated to
5.4 million Americans. It is well documented that older adults from ethnic minority and lower socioeconomic
backgrounds are at increased risk for AD and other disorders of aging. There is thus an urgent need to
increase the number of scientists from diverse backgrounds who are committed to the study of aging and age-
related health disparities. The proposed Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR
U) program is guided by three axioms related to biomedical research on aging: 1. The diversity of the older
adult population is increasing and there are systematic racial/ethnic disparities related to disorders of aging
that are poorly understood; 2. Scientific advancement relies upon diversity of background, experience, ideas,
and perspectives; increasing the diversity of scientists involved with biomedical research of aging is necessary
to provide the cultural sensitivity and knowledge to understand sources of disparities in aging; and 3. Despite
increases in the number of underrepresented minorities receiving higher education, a large percentage do not
pursue careers in science. STAR U seeks to overcome historic barriers that have prevented such students
from pursuing careers in scientific and aging research. Through a structured summer research program, STAR
U will provide 10-12 students per year with: 1) individual, tailored research mentorships in the neuroscience of
aging; 2) a range of translational learning opportunities; and 3) professional networking and social experiences.
Research opportunities will span areas such as patient-oriented clinical research, cognitive neuroscience,
basic science, and the epidemiological study of cognitive aging and its disorders. STAR U students will gather
formally once per week for a two-hour seminar session that will include one hour devoted to a scientific topic,
and one hour devoted to professional/academic development. Scientific training will focus on major themes in
aging research, research methodologies, and general content areas relevant to developing scientific careers.
Personal and professional development will be fostered through social gatherings as well as seminars on
career development, learning how to find and work effectively with mentors, balance personal and professional
demands, choosing the type of graduate training that is most appropriate for them, communicating effectively
in science, and applying to graduate/medical school effectively. The long-term goal of the Summer of
Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates is to enhance the field of aging and age-related disparities
research by infusing it with diverse, well-trained scientists.!

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10336340
- **Project number:** 5R25AG059557-04
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** ADAM M BRICKMAN
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $406,852
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-15 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10336340

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10336340, Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STARU) (5R25AG059557-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10336340. Licensed CC0.

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