Gerontology Applied Research Grants
LIFE at UCF is proud to sponsor two yearly gerontology research grant programs. The Richard Tucker Gerontology Applied Research and Al Dallago OUR Gerontology Research Grant programs provide significant funds to the students and faculty at the University of Central Florida to support this field of study important to our membership. The grants are provided to promote all aspects of UCF research relating to the scientific study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging. As such these grants are intended to provide incentive for and recognize Gerontology research studies at the University of Central Florida. The amount of these awards is determined each year by the LIFE Board of Directors and depends upon revenues from membership fees and donations from LIFE members. To date, LIFE at UCF is proud to have donated over $285,000 in support of these program. We encourage each UCF organization to participate in these competitive programs.
Richard Tucker Gerontology Applied Research Grant
Richard Tucker Gerontology Applied Research Grant is a competitive grant specifically for Applied Gerontology Research conducted at UCF by UCF faculty, staff, or graduate students under the sponsorship of UCF professors. The research may be proposed or in progress. Approved grants can range up to the full yearly allotted funding. However, significant priority will be given to selecting the most projects that can be funded within the yearly approved funding. Applications are required. The Application submission window opens each year in November and ends the following February. Awards are presented in March and are administered through the UCF Foundation. Selection is made by a separate Gerontology Awards Committee that makes recommendations to the LIFE board for final approval. The program includes interviewing finalists. An email announcing the program details is made to the UCF faculty during the fall semester.
For more details and the application form go to this link: LIFE Gerontology Applied Research Grant
PAST YEAR AWARDS
In 2023-2024 LIFE at UCF awarded $28,530.00 to the following individuals through our Richard Tucker Gerontology Applied Research Program:
- Margaret Doheny, “Effects of Digitally mediated Communication on Social Decisions across Adulthood” $2,100.00 Award.
- Manish Gupta, “Targeting NAD metabolism to ameliorate HIV-associated aging” $5,000.00 Award.
- Jacqueline Lamanna, “Holograms: Helping Elders, LIFERS, and Providers (H-HELP)” $2,640.00 Award.
- Mishfak Monsoor, “Characterization of the cells targeted by exosomes in white adipose tissues for tailored exosome therapy for aging-associated diseases” $6,000,00 Award.
- Adam Wells, “Are myeloid cell recruitment and adhesion dynamics impaired following acute resistance exercise in older adults?” $3,614.00 Award.
- Cynthia Williams, “The Quality Effect of a Community Care Program in Vulnerable Communities” $4,340.00 Award.
- Ladda Thiamwong, “Climate Creative Communities to Promote Physical Activity and Health Equity: A Pilot Study” $4,836.00 Award.
Al Dallago Undergraduate Gerontology Research Grant Program
The Al Dallago grant is awarded in collaboration with the UCF Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR). As such, submissions through the OUR that are projects which support to the goals of LIFE’s gerontology focus are shared with LIFE. Both programs use the same time schedule and application form. Award recipients can receive simultaneous awards from both UCF and LIFE. Application is by semester for undergraduate students only. Two $750.00 grants are provided yearly. To be considered for this award, students need to fill out the UCF OUR application and merely check the Gerontology research box in the UCF application form.
The deadline for the next round of grants (for Spring 2024 research) is 11:59 PM on 20 October: https://ucf.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1914203
Al Dallago research grants awarded in Spring 2024:
- Wesley Lim– “Examining the effect of artemisia annua extract in neuro2A cells” examines artemisinin as a potential candidate in future treatments of many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Mr. Lim is working to contribute to the link between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.Sydney Carey– “Building community and resilience through an adapted, aphasia-friendly, chair yoga for people with acquired brain injury and their care-partners.”
Anna Schoenherr– “In vitro binding affinity and kinetics analysis of novel JAK2 inhibitor ‘Ruscholitinib.’”
- Required Research Completion reports
All LIFE Gerontology Research Grant recipients are strongly encouraged to file a Completion of Research Report when the project has been completed. Completion of this report may impact future eligibility to receive LIFE Grants. The report form can be accessed at this link: Research Completion Report.