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.

DIALOGUE IN THE CLASSROOM This two-day training is designed to support faculty and instructors in fostering a more open, connected, and conversational classroom culture. With the launch of the new dialogue competency in general education coming soon, this workshop will help prepare participants to integrate dialogue into their teaching and help shape how UConn prepares students to be competent in dialogue. This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience with dialogue and for all disciplinary approaches. Participants will leave with practical dialogue tools to use in the classroom, including designing a Reflective Structured Dialogue for the participants' campus contexts.   ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP The workshop will be run by Essential Partners (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwhatisessential.org%2Fwork-with%2Fhigher-education&data=05%7C02%7Csaah.agyemang-badu%40uconn.edu%7C2707797075ee4360483308dcfe7291b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638665015244433320%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Aff7P%2BwK6riHDI5OULUyiQhawtt6l%2BTu%2B8rqDkwuC2A%3D&reserved=0) in cooperation with the Common Curriculum Committee (CCC+) (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommoncurriculum.senate.uconn.edu%2F%3F&data=05%7C02%7Csaah.agyemang-badu%40uconn.edu%7C2707797075ee4360483308dcfe7291b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638665015244453902%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=n8ir0kw9nJ0sCc7EndpH%2B6u6SpPWAQEtKa7pX8hj4yM%3D&reserved=0), Democracy & Dialogues Initiative (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhumanrights.uconn.edu%2Fareas-of-focus%2Fdemocracy-dialogues%2F%3F&data=05%7C02%7Csaah.agyemang-badu%40uconn.edu%7C2707797075ee4360483308dcfe7291b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638665015244466594%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vRHbocTU%2BP3uKj0jJ7TmY9z2Eg5E8Ew%2FeZ9DcKD9iDY%3D&reserved=0) (Dodd Human Rights Impact Programs), and the Center for Excellence Teaching & Learning (CETL) (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcetl.uconn.edu%2Fresources%2Fteaching-your-course%2Fleading-effective-discussions%2Fdifficult-dialogues%2F%3F&data=05%7C02%7Csaah.agyemang-badu%40uconn.edu%7C2707797075ee4360483308dcfe7291b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638665015244478971%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WcXlo7BN49Rfzzybl%2BEBmhBSiTnKWG4NiXXOpKZljKI%3D&reserved=0). Research shows that students who experience dialogue in the classroom and on campus have better learning outcomes and report feeling more connected to their classmates and their campus communities. They also report greater openness to opposing points of view and exhibit greater willingness to engage in conversations across differences in values, views, and identities (DeTemple, 2020 (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fheinonline.org%2FHOL%2FLandingPage%3Fhandle%3Dhein.journals%2Fohjdpr35%26div%3D35%26id%3D%26page%3D&data=05%7C02%7Csaah.agyemang-badu%40uconn.edu%7C2707797075ee4360483308dcfe7291b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638665015244493913%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yfZbJqcu1sgN2FkMWPgfX1dpcNgquim10KjWlatyId0%3D&reserved=0)). By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:Establish the conditions for the dialogic classroom through the use of agreements, preparation, design, and the use of space - both virtually and in-person Build connections and trust between students to support difficult classroom conversations Structure difficult dialogues in the classroom and design dialogue questions to invite narrative, value-based discussion, and complexity Use dialogue as a pedagogical tool for reflection, connection to the topic, and the development of conviction and intellectual humility Invite and encourage discussions on diversity and inclusion in its many forms Use curricular activities as a pathway to more engagement and dialogue throughout campus and local community If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please take a few minutes to apply by Wednesday, December 18th.   APPLY NOW (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgIAKWWiYv2OW1GjF6v1Tl-j3JozAyg8kpCXXyj4-YOQe3uw/viewform)

Urology Grand Rounds

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ΖΦΒ) was founded on January 16, 1920 at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

**This event is cancelled for January 16th***   Two CME credits are granted for these weekly educational series presented by varying faculty. Alternating weekly the Tumor Board invites will be sent directly from the Cancer Center for one CME credit. Virtual Event: https://uchc.WebEx.com/meet/Neurosurgery

Join the conversation with our expert admissions team to hear great insights into the FERM 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!

Grading rubrics are an assessment tool that helps instructors and students focus attention on the important aspects of an assignment. Rubrics promote grading practices that are consistent and free from bias. This introductory workshop explores the elements of a rubric, methods to design rubrics with and without student involvement, and how to apply them within your courses. Attendees are encouraged to bring their rubrics for small group collaborations or their syllabus and ideas for an assignment that would benefit from a rubric. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:Identify the value and role of rubrics in measuring student learning 2. Recognize the steps in creating a rubric 3. Connect rubrics with outcomes and learning data 4. Identify an assignment in your course that could use a rubric and draft the criteria Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3265 (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffins.uconn.edu%2Fsecure_inst%2Fworkshops%2Fworkshop_view.php%3Fser%3D3265&data=05%7C02%7Cstacey.valliere%40uconn.edu%7C29f3668fe19444f44e4e08dcfa803581%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638660675783985822%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dTVaCpvT1m3U1fYQyYuwkEGyvpMza3gLcAMtqpsLLrQ%3D&reserved=0)

Sponsored by the Kim Family Fund "Brain-specific mechanisms of angiogenesis and barriergenesis." Presenter:  Georgia Zarkada MD/PhD,  Assistant Professor                                                        Department of Physiology and Neurobiology                                                            University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

As you consider a graduate program in Social Responsibility & Impact in Business 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. Our virtual infosessions are an ideal opportunity for you to learn first-hand about all of our graduate program offerings in Social Responsibility & Impact in Business, and hear from admissions representatives who can answer your questions about pursuing an accelerated or traditional path to your master's degree.Register today! (https://connect.grad.uconn.edu/register/srib-virtual-250116)

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

Lunch and Learn sponsored by the UConn Health Graduate School DEI Committee and UConn Health Office for Diversity and Inclusion

Lab Staff Weekly Meeting

Diana K. Perkins, novelist, naturalist and wannabe homesteader

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

Walmart is a large department store that carries a variety of different items, from food to household supplies to electronics. If you need to furnish your new home in Connecticut this will be a great opportunity to pick up many supplies. Pick up will be at CISS and then we will head together to the Walmart in Windham, CT.

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

Why should I apply? This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts to move the proposed research forward. As a participant you will:Receive hands-on experience and individualized research opportunities while networking with top scientists and researchers. Have access to a one-of-a-kind federal research laboratory and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Increase your marketability by enhancing your academic and professional preparation. What are the provisions? You will receive a competitive stipend based on your academic status. In addition, you may receive a Housing Allowance and dislocation benefit, if your permanent address is more than 50 miles from the hosting facility.Qualifications: In order to be considered, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:Be a sole U.S. citizen. Dual citizens are considered foreign national and are ineligible for this opportunity. Be at least 18 years old at the time of application. Meet one of the following conditions at the time of application: Undergraduate Student: Be enrolled as a full-time student at a U.S. accredited college or university pursuing a degree in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or similar. Graduate Student: Be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at a U.S. accredited college or university pursuing a degree in in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or similar. Applicants located in or near the Atlantic City International Airport area are encouraged to apply. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DHS-TSL-Summer-2025?utm_source=opportunity_digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dpp (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zintellect.com%2FOpportunity%2FDetails%2FDHS-TSL-Summer-2025%3Futm_source%3Dopportunity_digest%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Ddpp&data=05%7C02%7Chonorsevents%40uconn.edu%7C341d5d52bb6542c4ebc908dcf9e9e269%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638660030134251647%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8ir%2BGlim7R1zsXr%2FsWWLvECMUD4Xez3LcPHd229lc%2BY%3D&reserved=0)