Neurocognitive Aging & Analytics Research Education (NAARE)
program was established in 2021 at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in partnership with University of Southern California (USC). Our aim is to engage students from underrepresented backgrounds in research on neurocognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The research areas range from molecular, cellular and genetic processes to population/epidemiologic research related to health equity, health disparities and modifiable risk factors. The partnership between CSUF and USC was initiated in 2015 via the NIH funded project,
BD3-REAP.
In-depth mentored, yet student-owned research experiences that integrate exhaustive neurocognitive aging and ADRD research, as well as participation in the broader scientific community should result in a sustained cohort of successful future scientists. NAARE program seeks to lead students to graduate pathways and research career experiences for underrepresented or disadvantaged students in the neuroscience of aging and health equity, creating diverse role models for future underrepresented students interested in pursuing research.
Mission:
The primary mission of NAARE is to provide diverse undergraduates a comprehensive didactic and hands-on research experience, as well as to increase the number of skilled new scientists entering the field of neurocognitive aging and ADRD research.
Goals:
- The primary aim of NAARE is to provide underrepresented students with in-depth, guided research and hands-on experiences in the field of neurocognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Develop traditional and multimedia curricula on neurocognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Including multimedia videos that aim to reach a diverse student population.
- Provide research career advising and graduate pathway seminars to help narrow the achievement gap for underrepresented students.
- Develop and implement a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional program (CSUF & USC) to integrate neurocognitive aging research and education into CSUF across two colleges (PUBH & MSN) and three departments (Mathematics, Biology & Public Health).
