The REC Scholar Program provides trainees with opportunities to refine their research skills and deepen their understanding of AD and related dementias. Scholars will have access to resources, programming, trainings and funds to support their growth as ADRD investigators. They will also interact with other scholars and faculty in the Knight ADRC and with resources available from the larger Washington University community to carry out their research projects.
Program Benefits
The REC Scholar program delivers a range of competency-based educational, career development, and research related activities to support scholars’ growth as independent researchers. REC activities also seek to integrate trainees with other AD researchers across campus and scholars from peer institutions. REC Scholars will build skills in team science and mentorship, positioning them to be strong future mentors and collaborators. We expect the benefits of participation will last well beyond the completion of the program.
Specific program benefits include:
- A mentored Independent Research Experience
- 50% Salary support (Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have protected time to carry out their research project and engage in training)
- Individualized Development Plan (IDP) to structure training and career goals
- ADRD research competency experiences within the Cores of the Knight ADRC
- Monthly career development seminars
- Opportunities to present and share your research at local and national events
- Assistance in applying for funding through a variety of sources
- Monetary support for seminar travel, didactic coursework and eligible activities identified on IDP (such as externships, minor equipment expenses, etc.)
*Please Note: COVID-19 may impact some program activities. Exposure to research participants and patients will be subject to COVID-19 protocols.
Competency-Based Programming
The REC Scholars Program was developed around the follow set of research competencies and ADRD core competencies.
Research Related
Literature review
Study Design
Research implementation
Sources of error
Statistical approaches
Biomedical informatics
Clinical research interactions
Scientific communication
Cultural competence
Translational science teamwork
Leadership
Grantsmanship
Mentoring
Team science
Community engagement
Dissemination and implementation science
ADRD Related
Basics of dementia
Health disparities and equity in dementia research
Neuropathology
Clinical assessment
Neuroimaging biomarkers
Fluid biomarkers
Data analysis
Outreach, recruitment and engagement
Genetics and high-throughput omics
Required Training Activities
To ensure scholars develop proficiencies in the listed core competencies, all REC scholars will be required to participate in the following:
- Individual Development Plan
- Mentored Research Project
- Mentorship committee presentation (2x annually)
- Core ADRD Research Competency Experiences
- Annual ADRC meeting
- Weekly Knight ADRC Tuesday Seminar (presentation required)
- Annual Knight ADRC Norman R. Seay Lecture
- Community Engagement Meeting
- Career Development Monthly Seminar
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training
- Pre-AAIC Poster Session