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

Work-Study begins for students with a spring only award.

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

Join the conversation with our expert admissions team to hear great insights into the FinTech application process, what is expected of our applicants, and get all of your questions answered by the admissions officer. You will also have the chance to speak to current students!

CAM Presentation Speaker: Jinhong Dong Title: TBD  Via Webex: https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes (https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes)

Dr. Deborah Krakow from the University of California, Los Angeles will be the next quarterly guest speaker in the MSI Research Seminar Series. Her lecture is titled "Osteogenesis Imperfecta, "Type I Collagen and the Cartilage Growth Plate." This will be a virtual meeting. The meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m.; from 1 to 1:45 p.m., students/postdocs will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Krakow and ask questions.

Case Based Discussions in Onco-Nephrology

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/).

Trust and relationships impact learning. Some icebreakers are designed as on-the-spot, low-stakes games that don't take a lot of time, while others are designed to support community building in more depth, over time.   We will practice 5 - 6 icebreakers, from simple games that allow students to get to know one another to more complicated activities for building trust and community. We will discuss topics of interest to participants, such as ensuring accessibility of the icebreaker, anxiety, and the value of icebreakers for learning. If you have a favorite icebreaker, there will be time to share them with other participants.   Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3323 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3323)

View UConn Women's Swimming & Diving's full schedule. (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-swimming-and-diving/schedule)

View Women's Ice Hockey's full schedule. (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey/schedule)

View Men's Ice Hockey's full schedule. (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule)