What is the Oklahoma Geroscience Training Program?
The Oklahoma Geroscience Training Program is an NIH-funded T32 training program that prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers for careers in aging research. The program brings together investigators from OU Health, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), and the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center to provide interdisciplinary training focused on the biology of aging, resilience, and age-related disease.
What makes this program unique?
The program combines a structured training pathway, dual mentorship, quantitative training, grant-writing support, and professional development within a collaborative, multi-institutional environment. A central scientific theme is understanding why individuals age differently and how resilience influences health outcomes across the lifespan.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program supports both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. Predoctoral applicants must have successfully completed their doctoral qualifying examination before appointment to the T32. Postdoctoral applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in geroscience research and potential for independent scientific careers.
Applying to the Program
When can I apply?
Application cycles are announced throughout the year as training positions become available. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact program leadership to discuss eligibility and timing.
What materials are required for an application?
Applications typically include:
- NIH-style biosketch
- Research plan
- Career goals statement
- Letters of support
Additional information may be requested during the review process.
How are trainees selected?
Applications are reviewed by the T32 Selection Committee, which includes Program Directors, participating faculty, and current postdoctoral fellows. Candidates are evaluated holistically based on academic performance, research potential, commitment to geroscience, and the quality and relevance of their proposed research project.
Can I participate before being formally appointed?
Yes. Many trainees engage with the program through seminars, journal clubs, coursework, and laboratory experiences before receiving formal T32 support. The program encourages early involvement in the geroscience community.
Training Experience
How long can trainees be supported?
Both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees may receive support for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress and available funding. Progress is reviewed regularly by mentors, Program Directors, and advisory committees.
What is dual mentorship?
Each trainee works with a primary mentor and a co-mentor who provide complementary scientific expertise and career guidance. This structure broadens training opportunities, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and provides multiple sources of support throughout the trainee experience.
What training activities are required?
Trainees participate in a variety of activities that may include the Geroscience Course, Journal Club, Seminar Series, Responsible Conduct of Research training, quantitative training opportunities, Individual Development Plan reviews, and professional development activities.
What is F-Troop?
F-Troop is the program's structured grant-writing initiative. Trainees work through the process of developing fellowship and research applications with guidance from experienced faculty and peer feedback. The program is designed to help trainees build confidence and experience in grantsmanship early in their careers.
Mentorship and Professional Development
How often do trainees meet with mentors?
Meeting frequency varies by training stage and mentoring team, but regular interactions with mentors are expected throughout the appointment period. Progress is documented through Individual Development Plans and periodic reviews.
Are career-development activities available?
Yes. The program provides training in scientific communication, leadership, grant writing, career planning, and other professional skills designed to prepare trainees for a wide range of scientific careers.
Does the program support careers outside academia?
Absolutely. While many trainees pursue academic research careers, the program also supports trainees interested in government, industry, biotechnology, translational research, and other scientific career pathways.
Research and Career Outcomes
What research areas are represented in the program?
Faculty mentors conduct research across a broad range of aging-related fields, including neurobiology, cardiovascular physiology, metabolism, musculoskeletal aging, inflammation, resilience, and translational geroscience.
Will I have opportunities to present my research?
Yes. Trainees are encouraged to present at institutional, regional, and national scientific meetings and to actively participate in seminars, workshops, and scholarly discussions.
Does the program help trainees pursue fellowships and funding?
Yes. Fellowship and grant development are major components of the training experience. Trainees receive guidance on proposal development, grant writing, reviewer feedback, and funding strategies through F-Troop and mentor-supported activities.