The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) at UConn (P30 AG067988; Kuchel, Fortinsky - MPIs) is one of fifteen such centers throughout the United States funded by the National Institute on Aging at NIH. "Pepper Centers" honor Claude D. Pepper, the late Congressman who advocated for senior health and research to enable older adults to maintain or restore their independence. The overarching goal of the OAIC (Pepper) Program is to enhance function and independence in older adults through research. The UConn Pepper Center is pioneering a theme focused on Precision Gerontology, an approach to aging research and the care of older adults that seeks to render interventions enhancing function and independence more effective through an improved understanding of heterogeneity and more precise targeting (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/). A key component of all Pepper Centers is the Research Education Component (REC), which provides financial support, education, and training to Pepper Scholars who Pepper Center leadership identify as showing particular promise as independent investigators. The REC at the UConn Pepper Center, led by Dr. David Steffens and Dr. George Kuchel, includes senior research leaders at UConn and Jackson Lab who could serve as mentors to Pepper Scholars (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/research-and-education-component-rec/). A mentored research project is a primary focus of being a REC Scholar. We are issuing this solicitation to early stage faculty with an interest in aging-related research. Individuals with experience in this area are encouraged to apply, as are those with research backgrounds in non-aging related fields whose research might be enhanced with a new aging focus. Physician scientists and clinicians in other disciplines are especially encouraged to apply. We anticipate funding two new UConn Pepper Scholars through this competition. Funding for two Pepper Scholar positions would begin July 1, 2025. Pepper Scholar awards are typically awarded for one year, with a second year of funding based on evidence of progress and need. Since this award is taking place in year 5 of the current UConn Pepper Center funding cycle, a year 2 Pepper Scholar Award will also be contingent upon the parent grant's successful competitive renewal. The overall goals of the Pepper Center are focused on improving function and independence among older adults. As such the following criteria for Pepper Scholar Selection were developed to be consistent with these goals: • Trainee potential and commitment to an academic career • Demonstrated commitment to aging research • Alignment of proposed training and work with the broader mission of the NIA OAIC Pepper Center Program and the focus on UConn Pepper Center on Precision Gerontology • Availability and commitment of suitable mentorship • Ability to benefit from OAIC resources As an initial step prior to submitting a full Pepper Scholar application, we are requesting that potential candidates submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), due by 5 PM on January 17, 2025. The LOI should be one single-spaced page consisting of two paragraphs. The first paragraph should highlight aspects of the candidate's educational, training, and research background that are most relevant to the Pepper Scholar program, followed by a statement of how the candidate will benefit from the Pepper Scholars program. The second paragraph should include a brief description of the research project that will be supported by the Pepper Center REC. In addition to the LOI, candidates should submit either an NIH Biosketch (preferred) or a CV. The LOI and Biosketch/CV should be addressed to Dr. David Steffens, REC Core Leader and Dr. George Kuchel, REC Core Co-Leader, and emailed to Ms. Laura Masi at masi@uchc.edu Selected candidates will then be notified by January 31, 2025 and invited to submit a full application for the Pepper Scholar Program for a March 28, 2025 deadline.

Our latest exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery features "Luminous Pastels" by Jane Penfield and "Reflective Moments" by Paul R. Berger.(Note new date for reception.)

Throughout the entire month of November, Sammy (Sigma Alpha Mu) will be raising money for the Judy Fund supporting Alzheimer's research. Check our Instagram story for our venmo!

Our organizations will be hosting a Thanksgiving can and bottle drive from 11/17-11/22. We will have a bin for collecting these cans and bottles outside of the Phi Delta Theta Husky Village House and donations are welcome at any time throughout the week. We will be taking the funds raised through this drive and donating them to the families of Connecticut Children's.

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

A brunch hosted by Alpha Phi's Iota Lambda chapter at UConn where we gather to raise awareness and funds for women's cardiac health through the Alpha Phi foundation. All are welcome! 

MOVEMBER 5K Sign up Information: 1. Use this link to sign up: https://movember.com/t/uconn-ifc-movember-5k?mc=1 (https://movember.com/t/uconn-ifc-movember-5k?mc=1) 3. Join the UConn IFC Movember 5K Team 4. A $10 donation in your personal donor drive will register you for the race. 

The Innovator's Network is open to all students that are passionate about building, problem-solving, and driving projects forward regardless of background, interests or area of study. Whether you're studying engineering, business, the arts, or any other field, if you're interested in connecting, collaborating, and exploring resources to bring ideas to life, this network welcomes you! Join us to engage with peers who share your technical and business drive, gain insights from students in other fields, and find practical support to enhance or begin your projects. Whether you are in the early stages of developing a venture, are working on a personal project, or have behind-the-scenes skills that you would like to share, this event offers a welcoming space to expand your network, collaborate with peers, and discover resources that can help propel your ideas forward.Time: November 17 from 12-2pm  Location: CCEI Founder's Lounge - 2100 Hillside Road, Suite 121, Unit 1041, Storrs, CT  *Complimentary drinks and pizza will be provided*  Register Here:https://lu.ma/cpg8xvbs  Contact: Kristina DeMichiel  (Kristina.demichiel@uconn.edu) (mailto:Kristina.demichiel@uconn.edu) for more information

Brothers of TKE will go live on instagram to raise money for HuskyTHON. Throughout the live stream, viewers can donate to brothers to have them try hot sauces with different levels of hotness. Each donation will increase the hotness level of the hot sauce consumed.

The event will be taking place at Diana's Pool, a lake/river in Chaplin. The brothers who raise $10 will all partake in the cold plunge at the same time, which will hopefully boost fundraising even more.

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

Performance by UConn ChoirsThis performance will be livestreamed here:https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2090521/uiconf_id/36463151/entry_id/1_almc4hoz/embed/dynamicAll ticket sales directly fund the operating costs of von der Mehden Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased athttps://vdm.ticketleap.com/.Free comp tickets are available for Seniors, Military, and UConn Students, Faculty and Staff.

For more information visit: Arsentiy Kharitonov (https://Jorgensen.uconn.edu/online/article/arsentiy-kharitonov)

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

Performance by UConn Jazz EnsembleThis performance will be livestreamed here:https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2090521/uiconf_id/36463151/entry_id/1_almc4hoz/embed/dynamicAll ticket sales directly fund the operating costs of von der Mehden Recital Hall. Tickets can be purchased athttps://vdm.ticketleap.com/.Free comp tickets are available for Seniors, Military, and UConn Students, Faculty and Staff.

Performance by Yoonjeong YooThis performance will be livestreamed here:https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2090521/uiconf_id/36463151/entry_id/1_almc4hoz/embed/dynamic