National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded interdisciplinary doctoral training in aging at Oregon State University
Oregon State University and its Center for Healthy Aging Research have been awarded the first IGERT (Interdisciplinary Graduate Education and Research Training) grant with interdisciplinary training in aging sciences as the thematic focus. Highlights of the IGERT program and a list of core faculties and their current research projects can be found on our website: http://health.oregonstate.edu/igert/
PROGRAM. This bold, flexible program is designed to address key themes in the field of aging research: 1) understanding mechanisms of aging from molecular to societal levels; and 2) engineering social and built environments to optimize aging. Students will participate in research training in two out of four research cores established in the Oregon State University Center for Healthy Aging Research: 1) Diet and Genetic Factors; 2) Musculoskeletal Factors; 3) Psychosocial Factors; and 4) Gerontechnology. Karen Hooker is the Principal Investigator for this Program and Co-investigators include Carolyn Aldwin, Tory Hagen, Ron Metoyer and Michael Pavol. All 43 faculty members who are associated with the Center for Healthy Aging Research are eligible to act as a primary advisor for students.
RESEARCH TRAINING. Students receive primary training in one of the research cores, and also participate in a research apprenticeship in a supplemental core. Problem-based learning is an integral part of our IGERT program. Each year students identify an authentic problem to solve through interdisciplinary methods, providing real life experience in applied science. Other features of this program include professional training through Aging Traineeship Forums, participation in Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference, annual summer retreat for collaboration, training in research methodology, and mentoring for academic and industry careers.
APPLICATIONS. Applicants enroll in a doctoral program Oregon State University. Current IGERT students’ primary programs are in Design & Human Environment, Human Development & Family Sciences, Public Health, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Biochemistry & Biophysics. Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For more information go to: http://www.hhs.oregonstate.edu/igert/
FUNDING. All IGERT students will receive NSF stipends of $30,000 per year along with tuition support, health insurance, and funds for research and travel.
MORE INFORMATION. For more information about the IGERT program at OSU, contact Anne Hatley, Program Coordinator at Anne.Hatley@oregonstate.edu
Karen Hooker, Ph.D.
Jo Anne Leonard Endowed Director, Center for Healthy Aging Research
Professor, School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences
204 Bates Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
541.737.4336/1076 (fax)
hookerk@oregonstate.edu
http:// health.oregonstate.edu/healthy-aging
