• Supporting Senior Independence — National Institute on Aging’s Pepper Centers

• Fostering New Talent—NIA’s Research Fellowship Program

• Hospice—Not a Black and White Decision

• Michele K. Evans, M.D., Named Acting Scientific Director of NIA

• NIA’s E-Zines—SOAR and Connections

• NIA: Recruiting for Diversity

• NIA’s Health Disparities Resource Persons Network

• Remember: July 23 Deadline for Applications to Grants Technical Assistance Workshop

• LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

Supporting Senior Independence — National Institute on Aging’s Pepper Centers

The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs, also

sometimes referred to as Pepper Centers) were established over 20 years

ago to “increase scientific knowledge that will lead to better ways to maintain

or restore independence to older persons.” The centers honor the late Claude

Denson Pepper, who as a United States Senator (1936-1951) and United

States Representative (1963-1989) from Florida, advocated for legislation that

would help improve and preserve the quality of life for Americans with

advancing age.

Today, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) supports 12 Pepper Centers

across the United States. Each has its own particular research interests—

some look at factors that contribute to disability, some study specific agerelated conditions that lead to or increase risk for loss of function, and others

design and test interventions that may prevent or delay disability.

Despite their unique identities and themes for investigation, the OAICs each

have a similar structure with specific overarching goals. According to Kevin P.

High, M.D., M.S., principal investigator of the OAIC Coordinating Center at

Wake Forest University, “Each center is responsible for stimulating the

translation between basic and clinical research. As part of this, the centers

develop and test innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to address the

needs of older people. This includes incorporating emerging technologies into

their research design. In addition, the OAICs are to be a resource to other

institutions. For example, the University of Texas Medical Branch OAIC is a critical component of the only World

Health Organization Collaborating Center on Aging and Health in North America.”

In addition, High says that all the OIACs support young researchers and have successfully involved many young

investigators from underrepresented populations. “Part of the goal of each OAIC is to mentor new researchers,

providing them with career development opportunities,” he points out.

Several trainees along with more established research staff have a special interest in conducting studies focused on

disability among minority populations. For example, members of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)

OAIC also coordinate the six centers known as Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) through the

RCMAR National Coordinating Center at UCLA. The CARRIAGE Study (Carolinas Region Interaction of Aging,

Genes, and Environment), conducted at Duke’s OAIC, is investigating the possible genetic biomarkers associated

with osteoarthritis and early-onset heart disease in a large African American family (over 350 study participants). At

Yale University’s OAIC, scientists conducted a qualitative research study using focus groups with African American

and Latino seniors to determine what these underrepresented seniors perceive as barriers to participating in agerelated research. The University of Florida OAIC studied how physical function (including walking speed and knee

extension strength) can change as a result of weight loss and exercise in obese older African-American women

compared to Caucasian women.

Along with conducting their own studies, Pepper Centers often collaborate with each other and other types of centers

in larger projects. In 2009, four OAICs along with four other non-OAIC institutions received a $29.5 million grant

through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders

(LIFE) study. LIFE will test a physical activity-based intervention to prevent mobility disability among older people who

are at risk of losing their ability to walk and to live independently in the community. Researchers will evaluate whether

the intervention reduces the risk of disability and fall-related injuries and improves cognitive function, comparing it to a

health education approach. More information about the LIFE study is available at: www.thelifestudy.org

“Understanding and reducing the risk of disability for seniors is an important part of the NIA’s mission. The Pepper

Centers do outstanding work that we hope will lead to interventions for maintaining functional independence well into

old age,” said Evan Hadley, M.D., director of NIA’s Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology that funds the

centers.

For general information about the OAICs including a map of their locations, please visit www.peppercenter.org .

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For information about a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on the difference in the prevalence

and impact of arthritis among racial groups, please visit www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics.htm .

Current Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers

Boston University,

www.bostonpeppercenter.org

Duke University,

www.geri.duke.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=53

Johns Hopkins University,

www.jhsph.edu/agingandhealth/oaic/

Mt. Sinai University

www.mssm.edu/research/programs/claude-d-pepper-older-americans-independence-center-oaic

University of California, Los Angeles,

www.geronet.med.ucla.edu/centers/pepper/

University of Florida,

www.aging.ufl.edu/?q=pepper_center

University of Maryland,

http://peppercenter.umaryland.edu

University of Michigan,

www.med.umich.edu/geriatrics/research/pepper.htm

University of Pittsburgh,

www.pepper.pitt.edu

University of Texas Medical Branch,

www.utmb.edu/scoa/pepper/index.asp

Wake Forest University

(coordinating center), www.wfubmc.edu/pepper/

Yale University,

http://geriatrics.yale.edu/research/

Fostering New Talent—NIA’s Research Fellowship Program

Each year a handful of new Intramural Research Training Award fellows are selected from a large applicant pool to

join the NIA research community. Some hope that the Institute will be a place to build their careers. Others view the

NIA fellowship as an valuable learning experience before moving on to additional schooling. NIA’s fellows may have

different career aspirations and personal histories, but they share a love of science and an interest in the health

issues facing older people. Learn about how you can apply to be an NIA research fellow by visiting

www.grc.nia.nih.gov/branches/osd/factbook.htm .

Ana DePina, Ph.D.

Serendipity is how Ana DePina, Ph.D., characterizes her fellowship at NIA.

She did not originally set out to be a researcher or even to work at NIA;

however, a series of “insurmountable opportunities” coupled with inspiring

mentors led her to where she is today.

DePina was born in the Cape Verde Islands and moved to Boston when she

was 10 years old. In middle school her interest in science was sparked by a

particularly engaging teacher. “He made the subject fun by encouraging

students to submit science questions anonymously—you can imagine what

we came up with as teenagers—and he would answer them during class,”

recalls DePina.

While at Emmanuel College in Boston, DePina studied biology with the

intention of applying to medical school. But, at the end of her junior year

DePina received the chance to conduct laboratory research through a

National Science Foundation-sponsored summer research program at

Wellesley College. The summer program changed her career path.

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“I enjoyed all aspects of doing research in a lab: formulating a hypothesis, conducting experiments to test it, and

ultimately analyzing the results to determine the validity of the hypothesis. Plus, I had a wonderful mentor in the

program who helped me to continue working on the project during my senior year of college and then full time for a

year after college. These experiences strengthened my decision to pursue a graduate degree in biology at Dartmouth

College,” says DePina.

After receiving her Ph.D. from Dartmouth, DePina spent two years conducting biomedical research at the Department

of Cardiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston Then serendipity, by way of her scientist-husband,

stepped in. DePina’s spouse, Eric Norman, Ph.D., had the opportunity to work with NIA scientist, Mark Mattson,

Ph.D., in the Intramural Research Program’s (IRP) Laboratory of Neurosciences in Baltimore, Maryland. DePina saw

the move from Boston to Baltimore as a chance to develop her own research skills. She was accepted into NIA’s

postdoctoral fellowship program to pursue her interest in studying genetic factors that influence longevity in C.

elegans under the direction of Cathy Wolkow, Ph.D. in the IRP’s Invertebrate Molecular Genetics Unit.

DePina studies the disposable soma theory of aging. “The theory suggests that the body has a finite pool of

resources, which, if used solely to maintain and repair the body, would lead to longer lifespan; however, if some of

that resource pool is diverted towards reproduction and away from somatic maintenance, a shorter lifespan is

predicted,” explains DePina. Her research seeks to uncover the molecular basis for this possible trade-off between

longevity and reproduction in C. elegans.

Now in her fifth year as a fellow, DePina still is amazed by the breadth and scope of scientific research she is

exposed to at NIA. “I feel very fortunate to have had this training experience. The best part for me is having a

supportive and positive lab environment, as well as a mentor who is extremely generous of her time and advice in all

aspects of my work,” says DePina.

Andrew Levette

Andrew Levette was inspired to become a doctor at an early age: “My mom

and dad are both physicians, so I guess I had a strong inclination toward

medicine since birth. One of my most vivid memories from childhood is

accompanying my mom—a primary care doctor—to the hospital every

weekend, shadowing her during her rounds. I was struck by the impact she

had on her patients’ lives.”

In addition to being attracted to the humanitarian aspect of medicine, Levette

is drawn to the science and mechanics of how the body works. This interest

was strengthened at a formative age when he had a difficult to diagnose

health issue. “In high school, I was faced with possibly having an autoimmune

disease. The overall lack of definitive answers and the mystery of the etiology

of my symptoms spurred my interest in medical research and remains to this

day,” shares Levette.

As an undergraduate with an eye on becoming a physician, Levette attended

Stanford University in California, studying human biology. But, before starting

medical school, he thought a real-world research experience “would help me

to be a better doctor and to better understand the complex process of bench

to bedside.” Levette learned about research opportunities at NIA through his

program at Stanford.

Why aging research? Levette is clear, “In simple terms, aging is the one thing that we all do on a daily basis. The

study of aging is something everyone can relate to. It is the means to finding ways to prolong years of life while

maintaining maximum function and good health.”

Levette found his perfect fit at the NIA IRP’s Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology in the Aging, Metabolism, and

Nutrition Unit led by Rafael de Cabo, Ph.D. “The lab is a microcosm of what I believe to be the purpose of scientific

research, that is the attempt to find some form of pharmacological, genetic, or dietary intervention that delays disease

development and increases lifespan,” says Levette. Since graduating college in June 2009 and coming to NIA, he has

been studying models for dietary restriction (DR), focusing on compounds that may mimic the positive effects of DR in

mice.

“I am enjoying this amazing fellowship. Along with the actual work, the most enriching facet of this experience is

learning how an idea or hypothesis becomes a research project. I know that my time at NIA will be invaluable as I

move towards my ultimate goal of becoming a physician,” says Levette.

Rhonda McClure

Rhonda McClure may be on the fast track to a career in research, but when she matriculated at University of North

Carolina at Pembroke at age 16, she had other plans. “I was always interested in science and thought that medicine

was the only career choice I had in this field,” explains McClure.

It was during her second year at the university when her eyes were opened to the world of research. “I was working in

a lab to make my medical school application look better. The more I got into the research, the more I realized how

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much I loved it. I couldn’t believe that people were able to choose research as

a career,” recalls McClure. Around this time, National Institutes of Health

(NIH) scientist Yolanda Mock Hawkins, Ph.D. came to talk to students about

intramural research training opportunities at NIH. Mock Hawkins helped

McClure identify what Institute might have research interests to best match

her own, which led McClure to NIA. McClure was drawn to aging research

because of its relevance to everyone. “We all age, so it is important for us to

know how, why, and what we can learn about the process,” says McClure.

After graduating from college in only three years, McClure applied and was

selected for the 2009 NIH Summer Internship Program. She worked in NIA’s

Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, under the mentorship of Patricia

Gearhart, Ph.D. and Robert Maul, Ph.D. McClure remembers, “As part of the

summer program, I participated in the National Institute on Aging-National

Institute on Drug Abuse Poster Day. I received one of the three ‘Barbara A.

Hughes Award of Excellence’ for my poster entitled, Effects of multiple B cell

stimulators on class switch recombination and AIDS expression. I realized

during my summer experience that I wanted to stay on at NIA as a

Postbaccalaureate fellow. Fortunately, Dr. Gearhart received an NIH

Intramural AIDS Research Fellowship to support my work in her lab.”

McClure studies a protein called AID which helps instruct the body on how to

rid itself of viruses or bacteria. Older people tend to have lower levels of this protein, which may help explain why they

have less resistance to certain diseases. McClure looks at how the AID protein is regulated. She stimulates different

receptors on B-cells with a virus and observes how they differentially activate AID.

In addition to the valuable research experience, the best part of working at NIA is the connections that McClure has

been able to make. “Through my mentor, Dr. Gearhart, I’ve met with leading researchers from major universities

including Johns Hopkins and Yale,” shares McClure. “For so many reasons, pursuing this fellowship is simply the best

decision I have ever made.”

David Wilson, Ph.D.

Butterflies—that is what David Wilson, Ph.D., a member of the Diné (Navajo)

Tribe says was his motivation for pursuing a career in science.

After growing up in the Four Corners area of the southwest, Wilson attended

college at The University of Arizona in Tucson where he studied mechanical

engineering. It was during a summer break “chasing butterflies” at the Rocky

Mountain Biological laboratory in Gothic, Colorado, when he had an epiphany

about this career direction. “I wanted to study life science. Two weeks into the

6-week research program I had my paperwork completed to change my major

to molecular and cellular biology,” recalls Wilson.

Once he finished his undergraduate program, Wilson worked in the private

sector for several years running an environmental lab. However, he came to

realize that working day-to-day in a “processing” lab was not for him so he

decided to go to graduate school at Arizona State University.

After earning his Ph.D. in molecular immunology, Wilson became interested in

the immune system’s role in healthy aging, which made him a good fit for NIA.

Wilson credits his actual decision to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship at NIA

to his mentor, Sebastian Fugmann, Ph.D., “During my graduate career I

developed an appreciation for Fugmann’s experimental approach and style of

writing. I knew that under his guidance I could develop these skills that are

essential for success as an independent investigator,” explains Wilson.

Wilson’s research currently focuses on how a protein called SIRT6 turns on and off various activities in a cell. His

team is also trying to identify proteins that interact with SIRT6 and if these interactions affect the cell’s function. Along

with this area of investigation, Wilson has an interest in the evolution of our immune systems. “Where did our bodies

acquire the potential to recognize and fight enormous numbers of infections and diseases? Why does our immune

system falter as we age? We are trying to answer some of these questions by studying the immune systems of

primitive animals that live a very long time and comparing the systems to one another,” says Wilson.

Wilson has been with the NIA IRP over 3 years. During this time he has gone from being a fellow to a biologist in the

Molecular Immunology Unit of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology. “Moving to Baltimore to work at NIA

was the best career decision of my life. We have so much talent at the NIA that it would be very difficult not to learn

something new each and every day,” says Wilson.

Hospice—Not a Black and White Decision

Hospice care, for many people, is intimately tied to this country’s growing discussion about end-of-life care.

Understanding different communities’ knowledge and beliefs about end-of-life care, as well as the factors that

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influence their decision-making, are important areas of research. The burgeoning older population adds to the

urgency of this work. A research study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine (October 2009) demonstrates a

difference between African American and white participants’ exposure to information about hospice and discusses

how this exposure might influence their views—and perhaps use—of this type of palliative care.

The survey study, which was partially funded by NIA’s Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at

Duke University and led by Kimberly S. Johnson, M.D., M.H.S., found that African American participants reported less

exposure to information about hospice—19 percent said they’d never heard of it—compared to their white

counterparts (4 percent). In addition, while over 71 percent of white participants said they had heard a lot about

hospice, the same degree of familiarity was true for only slightly more than 47 percent of African American

participants.

“These findings are not entirely surprising,” explains Johnson. “African Americans have been historically

underrepresented in hospice, and previous studies have similarly discovered that African Americans know less about

hospice than whites. However, we were surprised to find that such a large proportion of African Americans in our

sample (almost one-fifth) had not even heard of hospice given how common hospice care is throughout the United

States.”

Investigators found that participants who were more familiar with hospice had more positive beliefs and attitudes

about some aspects of hospice care. For example, if facing death, both African Americans and whites who reported

greater exposure to information about hospice were more likely to agree that they would want hospice care.

Researchers also identified differences between the views of African American and white participants regardless of

participants’ familiarity with hospice. With increasing exposure to information about hospice, African American

participants were more likely to disagree with the statement, “I wouldn’t need hospice if I were dying because my

family would take care of me.” Among white participants, responses to this statement were not related to the degree

of exposure to information about hospice.

White participants who reported greater exposure to information about hospice were more likely to disagree with the

statement, “hospice care means you get no treatment,” compared to African American participants with a similar

exposure. The researchers think a cultural difference might be at the root of a common misconception among African

American participants that people in hospice do not receive any treatment. Participants may define treatment as a

cure for a disease rather than comfort-care. The quality of formal hospice information that African American

participants received in the past along with what they heard from families who used hospice may also contribute to

their misapprehension.

“This research supports the need for educational programs especially designed for underrepresented populations that

will dispel myths about hospice and provide them with the information necessary to make informed choices about end

-of-life care,” concludes Johnson.

Johnson and her team continue to explore how culture influences end-of-life decisions, including the choice to use

hospice. She plans to use findings from her research to develop educational programs that will address knowledge

gaps and disparities in this final stage of care.

If you are looking for general information about end-of-life care, NIA has a publication that can help—End of Life:

Helping With Comfort and Care, www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/end-life-helping-comfort-and-care.

Michele K. Evans, M.D., Named Acting Scientific Director of NIA

Michele K. Evans, M.D., Deputy Scientific Director, has been named NIA’s Acting Scientific Director.

“I am honored to be selected for this position. I look forward to working with our director, Dr. Richard Hodes, to

oversee NIA’s intramural research, while maintaining my own investigations of aging,” says Evans.

Evans is a board certified internist and a medical oncologist. As chief of NIA’s DNA Repair Unit (part of the IRP’s

Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology), Evans’s research focuses on the relationship between DNA damage

and cancer. She also studies the relationship between DNA repair and cellular senescence, which is when the cell

turns itself off after progressive deterioration during mitosis.

“Understanding the role of DNA repair in cellular senescence and tumorigenesis may help us to develop a clinical tool

to diagnose and treat cancer and age-related disease and disability,” explains Evans.

Evans takes a special interest in the health problems facing underrepresented populations. She is a principal

investigator of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span or HANDLS study. HANDLS

researchers investigate the differences in rates and risks for diseases and other conditions associated with aging

among approximately 4,000 African American and White participants of low and higher socio-economic status, mostly

living in or around Baltimore, Maryland. See “HANDLS—Bringing Health Disparity Research to the Neighborhood” in

the fall 2009 issue of Links (www.nia.nih.gov/about/Links ) or visit the HANDLS website, http://handls.nih.gov , for

more information about the study.

Evans took on her new role as Acting Scientific Director on March 1, 2010, when Dan Longo, M.D., retired. During his

15 years as Scientific Director, Longo led the IRP to become an example of excellence in biomedical research and

most specifically in research on aging and aging-related processes.

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NIA’s E-Zines—SOAR and Connections

Searching for NIA’s recent research findings or new information and activities related to Alzheimer’s disease? NIA’s

two e-zines (electronic magazines) have what you are looking for:

SOAR (Spotlight on Aging Research) reports “news and notes” from the Institute for researchers, the public, and

press. Each issue features “Stories of Discovery and Innovation” with a detailed look at areas of NIA research.

Calorie restriction, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, and the SardiNIA genetics study were the focus of this

section in previous issues. SOAR also includes highlights of the latest NIA research findings, a conversation-style

interview with a member of NIA’s leadership (past issues have profiled Deputy director Marie A. Bernard, M.D., and

Director of NIA’s Division of Extramural Activities, Robin Barr, D. Phil.), funding information, and a list of NIA’s newest

publications.

Connections is a twice yearly news and research update from NIA’s ADEAR (Alzheimer’s Disease Education and

Referral) Center. Intended for researchers, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and

age-related cognitive change, Connections includes features on current research, highlights of Alzheimer’s-related

events, a sampling of new materials in the ADEAR library, Alzheimer’s clinical trial information, and more. A special

section for people looking after someone with Alzheimer’s—the “Caregivers Corner”—has covered such topics as

“Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s Disease” and “When Financial Skills Decline: Protecting People with

Alzheimer’s Disease.” In 2009, Connections became an online e-zine, ceasing its print production.

NIA: Recruiting for Diversity

Having a diverse scientific staff is an important component in building NIA’s research community. NIA works with a

variety of institutions and organizations, such as universities with a large minority student population (including

Howard University, Oklahoma State University, University of New Mexico, University of North Dakota, and Texas

A&M), the disABLEDperson Inc. organization, and the American Association for Affirmative Action, to spread the

word about job opportunities. If you are interested in learning about current open positions at NIA, please visit

www.usajobs.gov .

NIA’s Health Disparities Resource Persons Network

NIA’s Minority Workgroup encourages investigators who have experience working with diverse populations and older

adults to register to be an expert resource for the Health Disparities Resource Persons Network. The network helps

connect early career scientists with investigators who have significant experience in aging research, minority health,

health disparities, and minority recruitment and retention. If you are interested in joining or using the resources

available on the network, please visit: www.nia.nih.gov/about/minority-aging-and-health-disparities

Remember: July 23 Deadline for Applications to Grants Technical Assistance Workshop

On November 18-19, 2010, NIA will hold its two-day interactive forum, the Grants Technical Assistance Workshop for

Minority and Emerging Scientists and Students. During the workshop, NIA staff and associated faculty members will

present information and provide technical assistance on applying for NIA grants. Participants in the workshop,

depending on career stage, will have an opportunity to make podium presentations of current or planned research

projects and receive feedback from peers and NIA staff. The workshop will be held immediately before the 2010

Annual Scientific Meeting of Gerontological Society of America, in New Orleans, LA. Participation is by competitive

application.

NIA encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in aging research and investigators

committed to research careers related to minority aging issues. Applicants should be pre- and post-doctoral students

or recent recipients of Ph.D., M.D., or related doctoral degrees; new to the NIH application process and/or embarking

on an independent program of research; investigators with less than 5 years of research experience; and U.S.

citizens, non-citizen nationals or permanent residents.

Applications are due by Friday, July 23. For information and application forms, please contact Andrea Griffin-Mann at

301-496-0765 or griffinmanna@mail.nih.gov .

LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

We are always interested in hearing from minority program faculty, alumni, and students. Please contact us and let us

know where you are and what you are doing.

Work Group on Minority Aging

Office of the Director

National Institute on Aging

Building 31, Room 5C35

Bethesda, MD 20892-2292

Phone: 301-496-0765

Links: Minority Research and Training newsletter is published twice a year by the Work Group on Minority Aging,

Office of the Director, National Institute on Aging, Building 31, Room 5C35, Bethesda, MD 20892.

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Thanks to Writer/Editor Megan Homer. This is an administrative document.

Source URL: http://www.nia.nih.gov/about/features/links-minority-research-training-spring-2010

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