Research Education Component

The BU ADRC Research Education Component (REC) is an interactive, mentored training program targeted at postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty, which focuses on providing the next generation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders with the essential tools and competencies needed to launch a successful career in basic, clinical, and translational science.

The goal of the REC is to promote a highly collaborative research environment among young basic scientists and physicians. In addition to collaborating with mentors to develop individual research projects and to secure their own grant funding, new investigators also complete additional training courses and hands-on clinical observations with physicians for experiential training linking patient care and translational research. Applications are open annually around July.

ELIGIBILITY

Early career researchers, junior faculty, and advanced postdoctoral fellows, including those new to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD), are encouraged to submit Letters of Interest. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive support. Selected applicants will undergo mentored research experiences that develop state-of-the-art research skills related to ADRD. Individuals from fields outside of ADRD are also encouraged to apply.

FUNDING

Applicants will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per year. Funds may be used for salary, fringe benefits, coursework, travel, and research project-related expenses

SELECTION CRITERIA

An overview of all applicants’ proposed research will be reviewed by the committee briefly outlining the following for the Statement of Research Experience or Interest:

Specific Aims
Significance
Relevance to Boston University ADRC Mission

Any literature cited may be appended. The proposed research plan plus an NIH-style Biosketch of the candidate will be reviewed by a committee for final selection. Please keep this document to 2 pages.

Additionally, applicants will need to obtain 3 letters of support, one of which must be from your research or career mentor. At least one of the mentors must be from within the BU ADRC.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES

Applications for the 2025-2026 REC Scholars Cohort is now OPEN! Please submit your applications to this APPLICATION FORM by July 1st.

Please contact Dean Sheppard, at sheppard@bu.edu for any questions.

PERSONNEL

Maureen K. O’Connor, PsyD, ABPP-CN Leader of Research Education Component (REC)
Dean Sheppard Research Coordinator

Current ADRC REC Scholars (2024-2025 Cohort)

Past ADRC REC Scholars

REC Scholar Resources & Opportunities

Sample of Research Rotations REC Sample of Mentors

Mentor and Career Coaching

Sample program faculty and their relevant research interests are outlined below. Faculties are occasionally added to this list; contact the program manager (details below) if you have another affiliated faculty researcher and potential mentor in mind. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact program faculty before applying to (1) confirm availability in the prospective mentor’s laboratory, (2) ensure appropriate fit with the prospective mentor’s research program, and (3) obtain endorsement by the prospective mentor for the prospective applicant’s research proposal.

Research Mentor: The research mentor has ultimate responsibility for the scholar’s progress and program success; supports the trainee’s training and research activities. The primary mentor is ultimately responsible for the trainees’ progress. Together, the research mentors aid the trainee in 1. Establishing didactic and practical goals for research training, 2. Selecting appropriate coursework, clinical and/or research rotations, and other training opportunities to complement the program’s core didactics, 3. Developing and executing an independent interdisciplinary research project, including designing the study, implementing procedures, collecting data, analyzing data, and presenting results, and 4. Assisting the trainee in identifying sources of extramural support and preparing funding applications.

Career Mentor: Sample program faculty and their relevant research interests are outlined below. Faculties are occasionally added to this list; contact the program manager (details below) if you have another affiliated faculty researcher and potential mentor in mind. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact program faculty before applying to (1) confirm availability in the prospective mentor’s laboratory, (2) ensure appropriate fit with the prospective mentor’s research program, and (3) obtain endorsement by the prospective mentor for the prospective applicant’s research proposal.