The Research Education Component (REC) develops, expands, and evaluates research training programs to meet the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical workforce needs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The REC focuses on advancing understanding of vascular and inflammatory contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular disorders, with a strong commitment to serving historically medically at-risk populations across New Mexico. Through close collaboration with all NM ADRC Cores, the REC prepares trainees to design and conduct innovative, translational research that addresses the needs of patients and caregivers.
The University of New Mexico is uniquely positioned to lead inclusive, culturally informed research education. Many learners come from rural and underserved communities, strengthening the REC’s ability to build a locally representative research workforce. The REC leverages these strengths to deliver and evaluate education and training activities that support early‑career investigators, clinicians, and scientists across disciplines.
The long‑term goal of the Research Education Component is to build a robust pipeline of future ADRD research leaders equipped to drive transformative discovery, improve prevention and treatment strategies, and reduce health inequities. By integrating culture‑centered principles with rigorous scientific training, the REC expands the reach and impact of ADRD research throughout New Mexico, the Rocky Mountain region, and beyond.
