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

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

Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans|ConnecticutCreating a Collective Agenda  When: Saturday, 11 January 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm  Where: Connecticut Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Ave. #5100, Hartford, CT 06106   The goal of the Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans|Connecticut summit is to provide a safe space for the discussion of policy issues and the articulation of community responses, to develop a collective agenda, that can address the particular experiences of Puerto Ricans in Connecticut. We would like to bring together the perspectives of stateside Puerto Ricans and other stakeholders in Connecticut to develop a collective agenda that can help shape public policies and legislation that address the inequalities experienced by Puerto Ricans in Connecticut.   Conference panels will include:Plenary Panel: Connecticut Puerto Rican and Latino CaucusPuerto Ricans and the State of K-12 Education in ConnecticutThe 2024 Elections, An ExplanationHousing InequalitiesConnecticut Boards, Councils and CommissionsHealth Inequalities and Community StrategiesEnvironmental Justice in ConnecticutPuerto Rican Women and Leadership in ConnecticutPuerto Rican Day Parades and Collective MemoryPuerto Ricans and the Media in ConnecticutPuerto Ricans and Higher Education, Hispanic Serving Institutions   This event is free and open to the public. Registration is available at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/947260380297?aff=oddtdtcreator (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/947260380297?aff=oddtdtcreator)   For program updates, please visit the summit site at: https://puertoricanstudies.clas.uconn.edu/202-puerto-rico-puerto-ricansconnecticut/ (https://puertoricanstudies.clas.uconn.edu/202-puerto-rico-puerto-ricansconnecticut/)  This summit is part of a collaboration between the Connecticut State Legislature's Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus, the UConn Puerto Rican Studies Initiative, El Instituto, UConn School of Social Work's Puerto Rican/Latin@ Studies Project, the Hispanic Health Council, Connecticut Latinas in Politics (CLIP), and the Connecticut Puerto Rican Parades and Festivals.

Join Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, the Long Island Sound Study and Connecticut Sea Grant for a guided hike around Barn Island Wildlife Management Area to look for winter waterfowl and other feathered friends. 

Community discussion about What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Sponsored by CT Sea Grant, UConn Avery Point and the Groton and Bridgeport libraries. Books available at Groton and Bridgeport libraries, or can be purchased at the Avery Point bookstore, local bookstores and online. 

View Men's Basketball full schedule. (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule)

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

View Women's Basketball's full schedule. (https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule)