Chan Kiana K, Manly Jennifer J, Cosentino Stephanie A, Brickman Adam M
Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2025 Jul-Sep;46(3):486-505. doi: 10.1080/02701960.2025.2522103. Epub 2025 Jun 26.
The Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR U) program, funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, aims to enhance diversity in aging research through undergraduate education. This evaluation assesses the program's effectiveness in fostering a diverse cohort of scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. Forty-eight (96%) of 50 alumni completed a survey between April and August 2023. The survey collected demographic data, educational/career goals, program experiences, and post-program outcomes, including continued education and scientific engagement. Ninety-one percent of respondents indicated that STAR U was "extremely significant" or "very significant" in influencing them to pursue a career in science, and 93% found STAR U effective in influencing pursuits in aging research. Forty-one percent were accepted or enrolled in science-related graduate programs, with half in doctoral programs. Respondents actively disseminated their research, with 10% leading or coauthoring papers for publication. PubMed shows 22 alumni (44%) have a total of 44 publications. Qualitative feedback highlighted the program's impact on career exploration, mentorship, and the supportive environment. STAR U advances diversity in the scientific workforce focused on aging research, strengthening scholars' goals for graduate education and science careers by addressing challenges and fostering a supportive environment.
由美国国立衰老研究所和阿尔茨海默病协会资助的本科生转化衰老研究暑期项目（STAR U）旨在通过本科教育提高衰老研究领域的多样性。本次评估旨在评估该项目在培养来自代表性不足背景的多元化科学家群体方面的成效。50名校友中有48人（96%）在2023年4月至8月期间完成了一项调查。该调查收集了人口统计学数据、教育/职业目标、项目经历以及项目结束后的成果，包括继续教育和科研参与情况。91%的受访者表示，STAR U对他们从事科学事业产生了“极其重要”或“非常重要”的影响，93%的受访者认为STAR U对他们从事衰老研究有有效的影响。41%的人被科学相关的研究生项目录取或已入学，其中一半进入了博士项目。受访者积极传播他们的研究成果，10%的人担任论文的第一作者或共同作者并发表了论文。PubMed显示，22名校友（44%）共有44篇出版物。定性反馈突出了该项目对职业探索、指导以及支持性环境的影响。STAR U推动了专注于衰老研究的科研队伍的多样性，通过应对挑战和营造支持性环境，强化了学者们接受研究生教育和从事科学事业的目标。
