The Neurocognitive Aging and Analytics Research Education program hosted its annual NAARE Research Day and graduation ceremony on May 10 to celebrate student scholars’ accomplishments over the past two years in the program.
The NAARE Research Day began in the Titan Student Union Hetebrink Room, where NAARE scholars, graduating scholars, parents, friends, faculty and staff heard about the newest cohort’s research projects from the spring semester. Throughout the spring semester, 10 students were mentored by Math Cuajungco, professor of biological science; Sam Behseta, professor of mathematics; Lohuwa Mamudu, assistant professor of public health; and Archana McEligot, professor of public health. Each student worked with one of the three faculty groups to prepare a 10-minute oral presentation about their research projects related to aging and brain health with topics spanning the broader fields of public health, statistics and basic cell biology.
After the research presentations, the NAARE graduation ceremony moved to the Titan Student Union Gilman Room. Ten students from the first cohort were honored for the completion of the nearly two-year NAARE program. The students were recognized with speeches from their faculty mentor, a certificate and an orange honors cord to wear during their commencement ceremonies.
“We were thrilled to witness 10 CSUF students from our newest cohort showcase their innovative research projects from the spring 2024 semester and to celebrate the achievements of our first cohort with a heartfelt graduation ceremony,” said McEligot, director of the NAARE program.
In addition to supporting cohorts of NAARE scholars through research opportunities, campus visits, conferences and graduate school application assistance, the NAARE program produced educational videos on topics regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and other health disparities within the brain aging field for the CSUF community and general public.
With the first cohort graduated and the second cohort currently completing their hands-on summer research experience at the University of Southern California, the NAARE program will begin preparing for recruitment of the third cohort of NAARE scholars in fall 2024.
To learn more about the NAARE program and scholars, please visit the NAARE website or Instagram.