The REC Scholar Program will support the development of research skills and a deeper understanding of AD and related dementias. Scholars will gain knowledge in AD research through interaction with other scholars and faculty in the Knight ADRC and with resources available from the larger Washington University community to carry out their own research projects.
Program Benefits
The participation in a variety of seminar series and workshops will integrate trainees with other AD researchers from across campus and throughout the country. We expect the benefits to the trainees will last well past completion of the program and that REC Scholars will become peer mentors and collaborate in future studies. Such benefits include:
- A mentored Independent Research Experience
- Individualized Development Plan (IDP) to address training and career goals
- Mini-Residencies within the Cores of the Knight ADRC
- Monthly Career Development Seminar and Annual Career Development Retreat
- 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.
Developing Core Competencies
REC Scholars are required to develop proficiency in the research competencies and ADRD core competencies listed below.
Research Related
Clinical and translational questions
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
Conducting research in a vulnerable population
Neuropathology
Neuropsychology
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
- Mentorship committee presentation (2x annually)
- Core mini-residency/residency program
- Presentation of work (2x annually)
- Annual ADC meeting
- National meeting (presentation required)
- Weekly Knight ADRC Tuesday Seminar (annual presentation required)
- Annual Knight ADRC Norman R. Seay Lecture
- Community engagement meeting
- Career development retreat
- Career development monthly seminar
- Responsible conduct of research training