Success Through Aging Research (STAR)
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)
The UWM STAR program is funded by the National Institute on Aging to support educational activities and mentored research experiences for undergraduate students interested in aging and/or health disparities. The goal of the NIA is to increase research in all aspects of aging to grow the pool of researchers, health professionals, and public health workers who understand the unique needs of elderly communities throughout the country. This program also provides professional development and presentation opportunities, graduate and professional school preparation, and social supports for undergraduate students in the program.
Applications are due June 15, 2025.
Questions can be directed to Kyla Esguerra, Deputy Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, at kylam@uwm.edu.
About
The program will begin in Fall 2025 and include an expected time commitment of about 10-12 hours/week during the academic year, with an optional summer research component the following summer (25 hours/week). Students accepted into the program will be supported through graduation, provided they continue to participate in program events.
UWM Undergraduates from the following groups with interests in aging and health disparities are especially encouraged to apply:
- Individuals from an underrepresented racial and ethnic group such as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- Individuals with a disability (www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ada)
- Individuals from a disadvantaged background (www.training.nih.gov/new_nih_definition_of_socioeconomic_disadvantage)
- First-generation college students (neither parent has obtained a four-year degree)
Program Elements
- 6 hours/week of mentored research with program faculty in the first year, and 9 hours/week of mentored research in subsequent years.
- 1 credit STAR seminar in the first year (one hour/week). This will include creating individual development plans, discussing research-related topics, increasing scientific literacy, preparing for presentations, and providing support for challenges encountered.
- Taking one course with a focus on aging/health disparities during the year
- Talks by distinguished aging researchers (twice a semester)
- Social events and cohort-building activities
- Presentation opportunities
- Peer mentoring
- Community service opportunities
- Interactions with aging and community organizations
- Preparation for graduate study and campus visits
Benefits
- Preparation for graduate and professional studies
- Funding of up to $5,000/academic year and $4,500 in the summer for participation in a mentored research experience
- Funding of up to $1500/year to present research
- Funding of up to $1200/year for materials and supplies
- Research and curricular experience in aging and/or health disparities
- Mentorship, programming and social networks to foster student success
Applications are due June 15, 2025.
Questions can be directed to Kyla Esguerra, Interim Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, at kylam@uwm.edu.