Appointment Process

Call for Trainee Nominations 2026-2027
University of Rochester Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Training Program (UR-AADTP)
Predoctoral Training Grant (T32 AG076455)

We are seeking nominations to fill three predoctoral slots for UR-AADTP. Ideal candidates will be entering their second or third year of graduate training and must be engaged in research relevant to the topics of Aging Biology and/or Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Projects can range from fundamental mechanisms to population-based studies. In addition to pursuing research leading to a thesis, trainees will be expected to participate in specific curricular elements of the training grant that include: 

• Biology of Aging (BIO422, directed by Drs. Gorbunova and Seluanov), a graduate course that discusses evolution of aging, model organisms used in aging research, role of DNA damage and repair in aging, current theories of aging, human progeroid syndromes, and interventions to slow down aging. Meets in the Fall semester.
• Neuroinflammation (ANA/NSC513, directed by Drs. O’Banion and Hammond), a graduate course which introduces students to glial cell biology, the complex interactions of the nervous and immune systems, and how this plays out in health and disease. Meets every other Spring semester, next session will be Spring 2028.
• Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other Dementias (NSC 424, directed by Dr. O’Banion and UR-AADTP training faculty), a weekly seminar course developed as part of UR-AADTP. This course will be open to all interested graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and is comprised of four elements: 1) monthly didactic presentations by program faculty on specific topics; 2) monthly “research-in-progress” presentations by UR-AADTP trainees; 3) monthly journal club sessions to keep participants abreast of rapidly developing findings in the field of Aging and Dementia; 4) special topics. Meets both Fall and Spring semesters.
• Memory Disorders Outpatient Experience (directed by Drs. Porsteinsson and Podgarski), comprised of two-three half-day shadowing experiences per week for 2-3 weeks in the University of Rochester Memory Care Program. This experience introduces trainees to an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to patient care and caregiver wellness, with an objective of enhancing their understanding of clinical dementia, the complexities of dementia care, and the impact it has in people’s lives.  Experiences scheduled individually. 

In addition, trainees will be expected to participate in biostatistics or other quantitative courses, take advantage of grant writing opportunities (e.g., plan to submit individual predoctoral fellowships), and present their work at relevant national or international meetings. 

Annual support for trainees includes full stipend support, monies for health-related fees, $2,000 designated for travel to meetings or courses related to their research, and an opportunity to apply for limited childcare cost support. Mentors are encouraged to take part the Aging, Alzheimer’s and other Dementia’s course and other training activities. 

Appointments will be for one year of support, with a second year contingent on progress and engagement in required program activities as well as success in our competitive renewal. 

Please email your nominations, including student name, graduate program, year in training, student biosketch, and a 1-2 page description of their research project to Kerry O’Banion, Vera Gorbunova and Christina Polito. Student input into the project plan is expected. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out directly to Kerry O’Banion.