# Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research on the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2022 · $321,489

## Abstract

Title: Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research On the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity
(NEURON-Aging)
ABSTRACT: The goal of this NIA R25 proposal “Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research On the
Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity (NEURON-Aging)” is to expand the pool of researchers interested
in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical aspects of brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
(ADRDs) through undergraduate research activities that enhance diversity. Minority health disparities for
cognitive outcomes in advanced age are well documented, with older adults from minority groups being more
likely to self-report impairments and to develop dementia. Healthcare and research professions that are critical
for addressing clinical needs in diverse elderly populations, however, have inadequate representation from
diverse and disadvantaged groups. This is a significant barrier for mitigating these health inequities. Thus, there
is an urgent and unmet need to support educational pipeline programs that increase the diversity of the research
and clinical workforce focused on understanding and treating brain aging and ADRD to reduce minority health
disparities. The current proposal will expand the pool of undergraduate trainees interested in pursuing research
and clinical careers related to understanding and treating brain aging and ADRD with 3 Specific Aims. Aim 1 will
increase the participation of University of Florida (UF) underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduate students
conducting mentored research on the neurobiology of aging and ADRDs in NIH-funded laboratories and expand
their research network to facilitate an interest in brain aging. Aim 2 will increase the representation of URM
undergraduates from outside UF and non-Research I Institutions conducting mentored research in NIH-funded
laboratories examining brain aging and ADRDs. Finally, using institutional matching funds provided by Centers
and Institutes at the University of Florida, Aim 3 will increase the numbers of diverse students proceeding on to
top graduate programs focused on brain aging by proving 12-24 months of postbaccalaureate training as a bridge
to PhD training. The proposed education and research training program will have the following measurable
objectives: (1) NEURON-Aging students will develop an appreciation for brain aging and related diseases
through year-round mentorship and networking; (2) NEURON-Aging students will have an increased sense of
scientific efficacy through mentored, hands-on research training; 3) NEURON-Aging students will have an
enhanced understanding of experimental design and data interpretation in brain aging-research areas, (4)
NEURON-Aging students will develop professional communication skills by presenting their research locally and
nationally; (5) NEURON-Aging students will develop awareness of graduate and professional school program
application processes; and (6) The majority (>50%) of NEURON-A...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10409946
- **Project number:** 1R25AG076396-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Jose Francisco Abisambra
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $321,489
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-30 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10409946

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10409946, Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research on the Neurobiology of Aging to Advance Diversity (1R25AG076396-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10409946. Licensed CC0.

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