Scholar Program

The national two-year Scholar Program, co-led by Dr. Peter Lichtenberg and Dr. Chiranjeev Dash, will identify and enroll Scholars at the bridges to the doctorate/pre-doctoral level through early-stage and senior scientists (the latter looking to shift career focus) at our hubs and liaison sites. Scholars will be matched with two I-REACH mentors who will advise them during the Program.

Scholars will:

  • Undergo CIMER training to maximize the impact of mentorship and will complete I-REACH’s unique foundational curriculum on aging and cancer.
  • Participate from their home institution and be supported by all of the I-REACH Core resources (e.g., Data and Stakeholder Cores) and a collaborative I-REACH-and-home institution mentoring team. As an example of I-REACH support, the Stakeholder Core will participate in idea labs to provide stakeholder perspectives early in the research and facilitate connection with groups for recruitment.
  • Participate in Idea Labs, peer-to-peer writing groups, and mock study sessions and will attend and co-lead monthly I-REACH meetings.
  • Design a research project and will be given preference when submitting their proposals for consideration in the I-REACH Pilot Program, which will support collaborative work. 

Interested applicants will complete an application form and submit a CV and a 1-2 page statement highlighting career goals, how I-REACH could support those goals, gaps in home institution expertise or support, and a letter from a home institution mentor. Core leads will assist applicants in identifying home mentors if needed.

Scholar selection will be through a competitive review by MPIs and the Early Stage Investigator Committee. We will adapt NIH Career Award criteria to rank applicants (e.g., commitment to academic careers in our areas and how the Program will provide resources not otherwise available). Scholars will commit to participating over two years to minimize burden; integration with the home institution programs will facilitate this goal.

Applications can be submitted through the I-REACH Scholar Application form.

Please fill out the Career Development Inquiry Form with any questions or concerns about the Scholar Program.

Peter Lichtenberg, PhD
Director; Professor of Psychology | Wayne State University, Institute of Gerontology
Geriatrics, Gerontology, Psychology, Health Disparities, Dementia, Rehabilitation

Chiranjeev Dash, MBBS, PhD, MPH
Assistant Director of Health Disparities Research; Associate Professor | Georgetown University, Department of Oncology
Cancer, Health Disparities, Population Research, Epidemiology, Community Outreach/Engagement