Mentorship Program Content Ratings: Advancing Diversity in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Careers

• Published in: Innovation in aging Vol. 5; no. Supplement_1; p. 974
• Main Authors: Thompson, Sheri, Pineda, Lauren
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 17.12.2021
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.3507

Abstract MADURA is an R25 Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR) undergraduate training program funded by the National Institute on Aging and based at the University of California San Diego. Its objectives are to improve retention and academic success of underrepresented minority (URM) trainees, and to increase graduate/medical school applications and/or entry into Aging/ADRD careers. This multi-component program includes paid research lab experience, research and academic skills training, peer support, faculty-led small groups, guest seminars, and additional professional development opportunities. The Year 1 Cohort of 32 students consisted of Hispanic/Latinx and other students under-represented in collegiate MSTEM studies. Almost ¾ of the mentees also came from disadvantaged backgrounds, per current NIH criteria. Evaluation data have been collected through brief, weekly, anonymous online student surveys, plus more comprehensive quarterly mentee and mentor surveys. This poster will describe the Program structure and 20+ group activities, trainings, seminars, and modalities, and report student ratings of satisfaction and utility. 92% of trainees rated the overall program value as Excellent, and 92% also rated effectiveness in promoting Aging/ADRD careers among underrepresented students as Excellent. Quality ratings of components such as pay, research placements, group training and group mentorship were rated as Excellent or Good by 96%. Relative student component rankings, specific suggestions for improvements, plus Mentee and Mentor perspectives on research-specific training needs, will also be presented. Based upon these experiences and data, the authors will make specific suggestions for future URM research training, mentorship program content, and expanded delivery modalities.