Training Opportunities
One way to increase awareness of aging in Down syndrome and inspire discovery among future researchers is to offer training programs. Below are current training opportunities for students interested in Alzheimer disease research.
A photo of UCI CFAR-DS Co-Directors Mark Mapstone, PhD and Elizabeth Head, PhD at a Hilarity for Charity (HFE) event hosted by comedian Seth Rogan with UCI MIND Director Josh Grill, PhD and Summer RAMP program mentees.
UCI MIND Summer Research and Mentorship Program (RAMP)
In summer of 2020 UCI MIND in partnership with UCI School of Medicine launched a Research And Mentorship Program (RAMP) for medical students. The program, made possible by support from community philanthropist Dr. Lorna Carlin and the nonprofit Hilarity for Charity led by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, pairs medical students with UCI MIND faculty mentors to inspire scientific ideas and future careers in dementia research and care.
UCI MIND Training in Translational ADRD Neuroscience (TITAN)
Predoctoral and Postdoctoral appointments are available as part of a multi-interdisciplinary training program that focuses on training a new generation of ADRD scientists, especially scientists with the unique training and skills necessary to design and perform translational research. These training positions are funded by the NIA through the Training in Translational ADRD Neuroscience, or TITAN (T32AG073088), under the leadership of MPIs Joshua Grill and Elizabeth Head. Faculty affiliated with UCI’s NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center from the Schools of Biological Sciences, Medicine, Physical Sciences, Information & Computer Sciences and Social Sciences, and the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) are part of this interdisciplinary training program.
UCI ICTS Summer Medical Student Alzheimer and Aging Research Training Program (SMAART)
The UC Irvine Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) has two NIH-funded (T-35) training programs designed to support research projects focused on basic, clinical, and translational aspects of research. These summer programs provide a dedicated research stipend for up to 12 weeks of consecutive full-time research between the months of May and August, and funds for research expenses (lab materials, statistical support, etc.). Grant funding is available for research projects related to the following areas related to areas concerning Alzheimer’s disease and related-dementias (ADRD), and aging and the health and well-being of older people. Projects focusing on ADRD will be prioritized. More information on supported research projects and the Mission of the NIA here. This opportunity is intended to support first-year medical scholars for summer research (May – August) between MS1 and MS2. Students in the MSTP program beyond MS1 who have 8-12 weeks of consecutive dedicated summer research time may also apply.
UCI Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
The purpose of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is to train individuals who can understand and contribute to advances in research, and can also apply those advances to the field of medical care. Since our first students entered the program in 1980, the UCI Medical Scientist Training Program has grown and flourished. Today, our students and associated faculty pursue research in fields such as stem cell biology, cancer biochemistry, human brain mapping, among others.
UCI Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research 199 Program (Bio 199)
The Bio Sci 199 Research Program is designed to provide students the opportunity to pursue independent research. Students work under the direct supervision of a professor in the School of Biological Sciences or the School of Medicine as an apprentice scientist. The program provides training in the biological and biomedical sciences. Research training is provided in experimental laboratories, clinical research, as well as field research.
