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Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR)


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Overview

Students enrolled in the MSTAR program benefit from an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics with the mentorship of top experts in the field. Participation in the program has led many physicians-in-training to pursue academic careers in aging, ranging from basic science to clinical and health sciences research. The long-term goal of the program is to increase the number of established physician investigators and clinicians who pursue research in high-priority areas related to aging.


Requirements

Candidates:
1st-year medical students interested in aging research

Duration:
Intensive 8 weeks over Summer break

Stipends:
$4,400 total for 8 weeks

Project PI: Erin Hommel, MD

Trainees gain:

  • individualized research experience under a sponsoring mentor
  • a structured didactic experience that is directly linked to student research projects
  • opportunities to interact with potential role models and peers efforts to build a sense of identity and membership for participants
  • a positive and rewarding experience in aging research
  • a chance to obtain research credits for their participation

Expectations:

During the summer experience, trainees are expected to spend the majority of their time at UTMB on their research project, attend weekly meetings, where didactic applications and career issues are discussed, and attend local geriatrics seminars. They also attend kickoff and capstone group sessions.


Faculty Mentors

Mentor NameArea of InterestFunding
Erin Hommel, MD, MScGeriatric syndromes, health care qualityNIA R33
Abbey Berenson, MD, PhDHealth of women throughout the life-spanNICHD K12
Phillip Cantu, PhDCaregiving in Hispanics with dementiaNIA P30, NICHD K12
Peter Cram, MD, MBAHealth services quality, health care utilizationNIA R01
Brian Downer, PhDDementia, cognitive aging, post-acute careNIA R01, P30
Steven Fisher, PT, PhD, GCSPhysical functioning in older adultsNIA R21, R01, P30
James S. Goodwin, MDComparative effectiveness, functional recoveryNIA R01, P30, R56, PCORI
Yong-Fang Kuo, PhDPharmacoepidemiology, treatment outcomesNIA R01, R61, P30, AHRQ T32, R01, NIDA R01
Alan Landay, PhDGeroscience and HIVNIA R33, NIDDK R01
Elizabeth Lorenzo, RN, PhDHealth promotion among ethnic minority womenNIA K23
Kyriakos Markides, PhDHispanic health, aging, and physical functionNIA R01, P30
Meredith Masel, PhDHealth communication in multi-morbidityPCORI, NIA R01
Neil Mehta, PhDEpidemiology of chronic diseases and survivalNIA R01, P30, NIDDK R01
Sadaf Milani, PhDEpidemiology of cognition, pain, and genderNIA K01
Melissa Morrow, PhDMobility and physical function in agingNICHD R01
Monique Pappadis, PhD MEdDisparities in rehabilitation post-brain injuryNIA K01, R61
Michael P. Sheetz, PhDGeroscience and sarcopenia 
Giulio Taglialatela, PhDMolecular mechanisms of neurodegenerationNIA R01
Elizabeth Vaughan, DO, RNDisparities in primary and preventive careNIDDK R01