Martin Luther King Jr. day is this Monday, an important day to remember MLK and the many heroes of the civil rights movement. Below are some wonderful ideas from Dr. Shapiro and the Civic Engagement Leadership Group! 

Dear Student Leaders,

As you know, Monday, January 18, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is not only intended to commemorate the accomplishments of a national hero but also to mark a day of service. MLK Day is a day to connect to our communities and to give back.

It would be hard to imagine a more challenging and difficult moment in our history.  We are taking this opportunity to offer some ways you might honor Dr. King’s memory and legacy.

1. Reviewing and/or participating in Americans of Conscience activities

1. Social Justice Volunteer Opportunities in the area

1.  Joining the Inauguration Day of Dialogue

We stand at a most critical and significant moment in American history.  What we do, what we say, what we think and believe matters.  It is particularly appropriate for all of us to appreciate and reflect on the best role models our American history has to offer.

Butler-Williams Scholars Program

The Butler-Williams Scholars Program provides unique opportunities for junior faculty and researchers new to the field of aging to gain insight about aging research. The program offers diverse perspectives and includes presentations, seminars, and small group discussions.

About the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

The Butler-Williams Scholars Program is held annually in the summer. NIA applications are being received now through March, 31, 2021.

Presentations cover research topics including: the biology of aging; genetics and Alzheimer's disease; health, behavior, and aging; and health disparities research related to aging. Discussion sessions focus on methodological approaches and interventions. The program also includes support and consultation for the development of attendees' research interests and advice on preparing and submitting research grant applications to NIA—directly from NIA scientific review and program officers!

Who Should Apply?

Applications are sought from emerging researchers, including those who may have limited involvement in research on aging. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident. As an offering of the NIA Office of Special Populations, researchers with an interest in health disparities research related to aging are encouraged to apply. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and women are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

Qualified applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., DrPH, M.D., DO, etc.). Only applicants working in the field of aging—or actively considering joining this research field—will be considered.

Applicant Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed each spring. Participants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Previous experience and training
• Affiliation with a NIA-supported research university or laboratory
• Letters of recommendation
• A brief statement of objectives for attending the Butler-Williams Scholars Program
• Specific aims page

How to Apply to the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

Application information for the Butler-Williams Scholars Program is made available each fall/winter. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 60 days of the submission deadline in March. Generally, the application requirements include:

• Statement of 150 words or less describing your objectives in attending the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.
• Letters of recommendation from two people familiar with your professional interests and scholastic achievements. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure letters of recommendation are received.
• One-page specific aims. Please include a full specific aims page as would be seen in an application for award. Be sure to discuss expected outcome and impact of your research.
• NIH Biographical Sketch (General).

View Butler-Williams Application form

Application Resources

The resources below can help applicants develop successful applications for the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.

• More information about preparing an NIH application
• How to write specific aims
• Inside NIA Blog post: Strengthen your research plan for a better score – Dos and Don'ts
• More information about preparing an NIH biosketch

Learn more about the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

Contact the NIA Office of Special Populations to learn more about the Butler-Williams Scholars program.

"For this issue of RSF, we invite original research contributions pertaining to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on socioeconomic inequality in the United States and in particular how pre-existing inequalities may have mediated the impact of the pandemic and in turn been exacerbated by the current crisis. We are particularly interested in studies that focus on how institutions, ranging from the health care system, corrections and criminal justice, childcare policies, social safety net programs, and labor market policies have either mitigated or exacerbated the impact of the pandemic on social and economic outcomes as well as studies that focus on the likely longer-term impacts of the pandemic on inequality in the United States."

Congratulations to LLC's Montia Gardner (Cohort 19) for presenting a workshop and presentation for teachers, administrators, parents and community stakeholders -- who are all cordially invited to JOIN THE CONVERSATION: "An Introduction to Culturally Relevant/Responsive Pedagogy (CRP)" on

Monday, January 18, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm CST (1-3pm EST).

For more information or to register:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Attention-Teachers--Administrators-and-School-Community-Stakeholders--JOIN-THE-CONVERSATION.html?soid=1132480672197&aid=2qanHgKe45A

Graduate Students, our colleagues in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) have asked for our help to find graduate students who can volunteer NEXT WEEK. Please consider this great opportunity to assist incredible STEM scholars in their journey!

The 4th Annual Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) USM Research Symposium is taking place virtually on Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th. Due to the global pandemic, we are going VIRTUAL and need judges to review pre-recorded oral and poster presentations from Monday, January 18 through Monday, January 25th. The three-six students who receive the highest marks from judges will be asked to present their research live on Friday, February 5th during a portion of our synchronous virtual conference.

If you are interested in helping us out in this capacity, please complete this google form.  If you have questions, please e-mail lsamp@umbc.edu. Thank you!

The USM LSAMP Fall Research Symposium provides undergraduate and community college students within the University System of Maryland in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with the opportunity to both view and present research through poster and oral presentations, while also enhancing their scientific development and STEM identity. Registrants will also participate in the Graduate School and Resource Exhibitor Fair, where they can network with graduate schools, find summer research opportunities, discover research and graduate school funding, and more!   

Warmly,

The USM LSAMP Team