# Multidisciplinary Research Training in Gerontology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2024 · $698,466

## Abstract

Abstract
The USC Multidisciplinary Research Training Program in Gerontology provides predoctoral and postdoctoral
training using a multidisciplinary approach that considers aging from all levels, including cellular, brain
systems, psychology, society, economics, and policy. 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
overarching goal of the program is to develop future leaders in the field who use multidisciplinary approaches
to investigate factors determining physical and cognitive health in aging. We have three main foci: 1) How the
exposome influences aging; 2) Using geroscience approaches to understand population aging; and 3)
Understanding factors that affect the brain and cognition during aging. USC is at the cutting edge of research
in each of these areas. The training program is housed in the Leonard 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’s
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 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:** 10847261
- **Project number:** 2T32AG000037-46
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** JENNIFER A AILSHIRE
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $698,466
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1977-09-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10847261

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10847261, Multidisciplinary Research Training in Gerontology (2T32AG000037-46). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10847261. Licensed CC0.

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