Common REC Scholar program questions are below. If you have a question that isn’t covered, please reach out to REC@email.wustl.edu.
The REC Scholar program lasts up to two years; scholars are re-appointed after the first year. The program will start on May 1, 2024 and will end on April 30, 2026.
Mentored research is a key component of the REC program and selecting an AD/ADRD mentor who is able to support you and your work is important. If you don’t currently have a mentor, our REC Mentor List includes the names and specialty areas of potential mentors. Prior to applying, you will need to reach out to a potential mentor directly to confirm they are able to support you. If you’d like assistance with contacting a prospective mentor, please reach out REC staff at REC@email.wustl.edu.
If you are working with an ADRD mentor who is not on our REC Mentor List, please contact REC staff to start the REC mentor approval process. Prospective mentors will need to submit a CV and a Mentor Trainee Table. Mentors must meet all of the following requirements to be considered for approval:
- A long-standing track record of successful, independent research
- Must have already obtained their own funding (R01-equivalent funding from NIH, AHRQ, CDC, NSF or other funding agencies)
- Experience participating in study sections, training grants, national advisory councils, clinical or translational research networks or other similar activities.
- Proven ability to disseminate research.
- Successful record of mentoring trainees in academic careers.
- Interest, resources and time to mentor trainees.
- Willingness to participate in REC Scholar program development and evaluation
- Commitment to supporting underrepresented groups and diverse disciplines in ADRD research.
Mentors provide guidance on the scholar’s research and career support throughout the scholar’s time in the REC program. Mentors assist scholars in developing and finalizing their Individualized Development Plan (IDP) and are encouraged to meet regularly with their REC scholar.
REC mentors may elect to receive mentor training, access to mentor resources and ongoing support from REC staff, as needed.
Any applicant whose work relates to Alzheimer Disease or Related Dementias (ADRD) is encouraged to apply. The REC program supports scholars from diverse academic disciplines investigating a range of ADRD research topics. Scholars conducting basic, clinical, translational, and behavioral research related to ADRD are encouraged to apply.
At the start of the program, REC scholars complete an Individualized Development Plan (IDP) which highlights their goals and the specific activities they want to engage in to reach those goals. Common IDP activities include didactic coursework, conference presentations, and completing applications for future funding.
Because the REC program is individualized to meet the needs of each scholar, experiences and activities vary. However, there are some educational and career development activities in which all scholars participate. These include:
- Monthly REC Career Development Meetings
- Mini-Residencies with Knight ADRC Cores
- Presentation to the Knight ADRC Tuesday Noon Seminar
- Attendance at bi-annual national ADRC meetings
- Participation in Research Training Symposium and Poster Session
No, we are only able to accept REC applicants who have an existing formal affiliation with Washington University in St. Louis.
The REC program is not able to offer any salary or stipend support at this time. However, REC funds are available to support professional development activities such as conference travel, tuition, minor equipment costs and more.
Yes, the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center’s REC website includes a directory of REC programs across the nation and opportunities for REC Scholar networking are offered throughout the year.
The REC program aims to develop and support a diverse group of ADRD researchers by helping trainees develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as an independent ADRD investigator. The over-arching mission of REC programs is to train a diverse workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical ADRD research needs.