Principal Investigator: Karen Bandeen-Roche, PhD
This training program is funded by the National Institute on Aging (T32AG000247).
We offer pre and postdoctoral training opportunities. We are currently seeking postdoctoral fellows.
Overview
Are you prepared to combine your quantitative expertise with immersion and dedication in the science of aging to become a leader in multidisciplinary healthy aging research?
The Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Aging training program prepares pre-doctoral and postdoctoral fellows in the methodology and conduct of significant clinical- and population-based research in older adults. The specific mission of this training grant is to prepare epidemiologists and biostatisticians who will be both leaders and essential members of the multidisciplinary research needed to define models of healthy, productive aging and the intervention and interventions that will accomplish this goal. It does so through a scholarly community that gathers regularly for research-in-progress discussion and social interaction, mentored research interweaving disciplines, and content area training. It specifically aims to:
- Train pre-and post-doctoral fellows by providing a structured program consisting of: course work, seminars and working groups, practica, directed multidisciplinary collaborative experience through a training program research project, and directed research
- Provide in-depth knowledge in areas of concentration spanning both physical and cognitive/mental aging, including:
- The epidemiology and course of late-life disability, chronic, frailty and resilience common to older persons
- Cognitive and sensory aging
- Social epidemiology and health disparities
- Data-intensive discovery in aging, including behavioral assessment through wearable computing and implantable devices (physical activity assessment via accelerometry, ecological momentary assessment, sleep polysomnography), the molecular, epidemiological and statistical genetics of aging, and linked population cohort data with electronic health records
- Biostatistical challenges including measurement, harmonization and analysis of complex gerontological outcomes, intervention trials and causal inference in etiology and treatments for geriatric syndromes, modern analysis of longitudinal and survival data involving geriatric outcomes, and the integration of longitudinal physiologic investigation into epidemiology
- Integrate epidemiology and biostatistics training to form a seamless, synthesized approach whose result is greater than the sum of its parts, to best prepare trainees to tackle aging-related research questions
Trainees emerge from the program with a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, the public health and scientific issues in human aging, having benefited from mentors who have demonstrated effective, innovative collaboration across disciplines, which is essential to high quality research on aging.
Dr. Ravi Varadhan
"The program promoted strong interactions between epidemiologists, sociologists, psychologists, geriatricians, and statisticians, all working on problems of aging. Scientists representing these diverse disciplines were all literally sitting at the same table.... This instilled in me a holistic way of looking at aging problems."
Kyle Moored, PhD
"As a predoctoral fellow, the EBA Training Program provided a rigorous and collegial environment to grow as an independent researcher. The highly collaborative program challenged me to move beyond my background in cognitive aging research and think using a trans-disciplinary perspective, incorporating advanced quantitative methods to answer cutting-edge conceptual questions. Having additional mentors from outside of my home department and completing the program's "360-degree" research project allowed me to work with and learn from collaborators with diverse perspectives and expertise, a crucial component of a successful academic career. The rich training and research network provided by this program has opened numerous doors for my continued career development and led to my current position as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Pittsburgh"
Jennifer Schrack, PhD
"The EBA T32 provided an exceptional opportunity to learn about all aspects of aging research: clinical, epidemiological, and methodological. My mentoring team was strong and supportive, looking for ways to help me succeed as a scientist in training. The bimonthly meetings provided a space for students to learn and grow from faculty and fellow peers. I have no doubt that my training on the EBA T32 helped shape my career in academics by providing a strong foundation for learning and growth."
Helpful Information
Application Instructions & Contact Information
The EBA Training Program supports 8 predoctoral trainees and 2 postdoctoral fellows each year. We are currently accepting applications for postdoctoral fellows. Inquiries are always welcome. Please click here for our current Request for Applications for postdoctoral fellows.
To find out more about the training program, please contact our program administrator, Brian Buta, MHS.