Program Elements

IGERT faculty have developed our training curriculum to give students a competitive edge in the field of aging. The program features:

Bold, flexible interdisciplinary curriculum

Students receive primary training in one of the Center for Healthy Aging Research cores, and also participate in a research apprenticeship in supplemental core.

All IGERT trainees earn a minor in Aging Sciences which potentially includes coursework in the biological sciences, engineering, and social and behavioral sciences. This integrated minor includes at least 15 credits, some of which are from outside the student’s home department.

Problem-based learning is an integral part of our IGERT program. Each year students identify an authentic problem to solve through interdisciplinary methods, providing real life experience in applied science.

View IGERT curriculum

Professional training

Oregon State’s IGERT in Aging Sciences program provides opportunities to students for professional skill development which will launch them confidently into their new careers. IGERT students and faculty attend the Life Academy, an annual summer retreat for collaboration, reflection and planning for the coming academic career.

IGERT students attend Aging Traineeship Forums to discuss current research, methodological issues, policy issues, and to participate in leadership and professional skills training. By participating in the forum trainees develop ideas for problem-based projects and connect with investigators from the Center for Healthy Aging Research.

The Oregon State IGERT in Aging Sciences also engages students in the field of aging. The program includes funding for student attendance at the Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference. At the conference, trainees exchange and build on ideas with attendees from diverse perspectives in the multidisciplinary field of aging. Students are also given an opportunity to present their research to and receive feedback from renowned aging scientists.

IGERT trainees also develop professional skills to stand out in their fields. IGERT faculty are committed to building environments that facilitate excellent teaching and research skills. Training in quantitative and qualitative research methodology is particularly emphasized in our program. Students also benefit from interdisciplinary internships and opportunities to mentor undergraduate Life Scholars.

Strong financial support

Funded, in part, by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Oregon State’s IGERT in Aging Sciences grants trainees an NSF stipend of $30,000 per year for two years of their doctoral program, along with tuition remission and support for research costs. Doctoral departments will determine funding levels for remaining years in the program.