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.)

A hybrid course where participants will complete 7 modules that include both virtual and in-person meetings . It is designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills that many beginning farmers with 0 - 3 years of experience, but is for anyone that feels like they could benefit from the course. Participate in this learning experience with farmer peers and develop new networks in a safe environment to foster informal interactions, knowledge sharing, and relationship building. It is never too early to acquire some of the fundamental skills and habits in farm business management, such as How to Write a Business Plan, Statements for Financial Management, Grant Opportunities, Marketing/Branding, Tax Filing and more. Online Sessions: January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd 12:00pm-1:30pm In Person Sessions: January 10th and 24th, 9:00am-3:30pm at the Hartford County Extension Center

Submit your nomination today!https://outreach.engagement.uconn.edu/awards/ (https://outreach.engagement.uconn.edu/awards/)

Participate with farmer peers in a course designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills for beginning farmers with 0 - 3 years of experience.

Urology Grand Rounds

Colin Kremer, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UConn

The UConn Extension 2025 Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers' Conference is an opportunity for growers in Southern New England and beyond to network and attend presentations on current topics of interest, including agricultural trends, high tunnels, weed management, value-added product development, growing in freight (shipping containers), and managing invasive strawberry pathogens in the Northeast, as well as a sweet corn farmer panel and research poster presentation. Join us for an educational day of learning, regulations, and updates on the latest trends in vegetable and small fruit production. Pesticide Applicator recertification credits: 4 CEU PA, 1A categories approved.

The 2025 UConn Extension Small Vegetable and Fruit Growers' annual conference and trade show will provide opportunity for area farmers and other growers/producers to network and obtain updates via informational talks regarding production practices as well as financial trends and opportunities.

As you consider a graduate program in Business Analytics and Project Management (BAPM) at UConn, it is extremely important that you make an informed choice. Attending a virtual infosession is a valuable way to gather the missing pieces. The BAPM virtual infosessions are an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand about all of our graduate BAPM program offerings and hear from admissions representatives who can answer your questions about pursuing a degree or certificate.Register today! (https://connect.grad.uconn.edu/register/bapm-virtual-250107)

In this workshop we will discuss:The purposes of a syllabus UConn-specific syllabus requirements, resources, and templates Ways to improve your syllabus The syllabus as contract, blueprint, reference, or inspiration You are encouraged to share your questions, ideas, and experiences. We hope you will walk away with new ideas for making your syllabus more interactive and engaging.   Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3320 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3320)

Starting in Fall 2024 all 1000-2000 level academic courses will need to transition to using Ultra Course View, aka "Ultra", Blackboard/HuskyCT's new modernized course version. This 3-hour hands-on session is intended for Spring 2025 instructors converting one or more courses to Ultra Course View and will feature: – Training on Ultra course conversion, best practices in course building, navigation/features – Dedicated time for attendees to work on their course with the assistance of available CETL support staff. This is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Session** - please bring a laptop to the session. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3311 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3311)

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

ChatGPT is on everyone's lips these days, but what exactly is a large language model, or LLM? How do they work and how do they develop? Are they widely used by students? What protections (or detections) are possible? This session, hosted by BEACON (the Beneficial and Ethical AI at UConn organization led by graduate and undergraduate students) will present the basics, with time for Q&A. Note: BEACON is funded by Open Philanthropy as part of its University Organizer Fellowship. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3337 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3337)

Interested in doing research over the summer but don't know where to start? Join us in this workshop to learn about how to find summer research opportunities and UConn and beyond.

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/).

As you consider the Flex MBA at UConn, it is extremely important that you make an informed choice, and attending a virtual infosession is a valuable way to gather the missing pieces. The Flex MBA Virtual Infosessions are an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand about our highly regarded program and hear from admissions representatives.Register today! (mailto:https://connect.grad.uconn.edu/register/flex-virtual-250107)