Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR)
What is the MSTAR Program?
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.
This project is funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) and is in collaboration with the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging and the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Requirements
Candidates:
1st year medical students interested in aging research
Duration:
Intensive 8-12 weeks; during summer break
Stipends:
$1873 per month up to 2 months
Project PI:
Elena Volpi, MD, PhD, Sealy Center on Aging Director
Trainees gain:
- an 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 experiences 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, to attend weekly meetings, where didactic applications and career issues are discussed and to attend local geriatrics seminars. They also attend kickoff and capstone group sessions.
Application Instructions
Step 1: Identify a mentor and project. If you need assistance, contact Stephanie Burt.
Step 2: Complete the application and faculty sponsor form.
Documents:
- Application & Instructions
(Word Doc) - Faculty Sponsor
(Word Doc)
Mentors
| Elena Volpi, MD, PhD Daisy Emery Allen Distinguished Chair in Geriatric Medicine Director of The Claude Pepper Older American Independence Center |
| Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD Associate Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences Director, Masters of Science in Health Professions |
| Jacques Baillargeon, PhD Professor, Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health |
| Rachel Deer, PhD Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Brian Downer, PhD Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Christopher Fry, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism |
| James S. Goodwin, MD Professor, George and Cynthia Mitchell Distinguished Chair of Geriatric Medicine |
| Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD Professor, Don W. and Frances Powell Professorship in Aging Research |
| Liz Lyons, PhD, MPH Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism |
| Kyriakos Markides, PhD Annie and John Gnitzinger Professor of Aging Studies, Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health |
| Hemalkumar B. Mehta, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery |
| Tatiana Moro, PhD Research Scientist I, Center for Recovery, Physical Activity and Nutrition |
| Andrew J. Murton, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery |
| Sara Nowakowski, PhD, MS Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Kenneth Ottenbacher PhD, OTR Russell Shearn Moody Distinguished Chair in Neurological Rehabilitation Professor and Director, Division of Rehabilitation Science Director, Center for Recovery, Physical Activity and Nutrition |
| Douglas Paddon-Jones, PhD Professor, Department of Nutrition and Metabolism |
| Monique Pappadis, PhD Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Craig Porter, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Surgery Associate Director, Metabolism Unit, Shriners Hospitals for Children |
| Mukaila Raji, MD, MS, FACP Professor and Director, Division of Geriatric Medicine Edgar Gnitzinger Distinguished Professorship in Aging Program Director, Geriatric Medicine Fellowship |
| Blake Rasmussen, PhD Lloyd and Sue Ann Hill Professor of Healthy Aging Associate Dean for Research, School of Health Professions Professor and Chair, Department of Nutrition & Metabolism |
| Rafael Samper-Ternent, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine |
| Randall J. Urban, MD Professor and Chair Edward Randall and Edward Randall Jr., Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine |
| Rebecca Wong, PhD P. & S. Kempner Distinguished Professor in Health Disparities, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health Director, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Center on Aging and Health |