The Time Initiative was established in 2023 to highlight the field's potential and sparking interest among undergraduates. This effort aims to develop a strong pipeline of skilled and innovative young researchers in aging biology. We secured funding from various sources and established a broad national network, including partners in academia, biotech, venture capital, policy advocacy, the non-profit sector, and student organizations. In 2023, we recruited applicants globally and supported our first cohort of 25 undergraduates in the TIME fellowship program. To attract strong candidates, we organized outreach events at several universities and aging-related conferences. The 2023-2024 TIME fellowships provide mentoring to help fellows pursue further studies or careers in aging biology research, research internships in leading aging biology labs, and virtual and in-person community-building events with fellows, mentors, and other aging experts. The Academy for Health and Lifespan Research supports the Time Initiative with infrastructure, access to a network of aging experts, and strategic guidance. This support is crucial for the program’s success and sustainability, ensuring that the Time Initiative continues to foster innovation and leadership in aging biology.

We want to create a world where people live longer, healthier lives. As we grow older, the likelihood we experience debilitating age-related disease increases as well, but we have the power and tools to intervene. Our goal is to inspire the next generations of leaders who believe that science can help us better understand and extend healthy, human lifespan. The Time Initiative addresses one of the major bottlenecks in the field -- a shortage of talent to be the next generation of leaders.The Time Initiative was launched in 2023 under the guidance of the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), whose mission is to advance and support healthy aging through biomedical research. The Time Initiative is grateful for AFAR’s early and important advisement and management. Learn more about AFAR’s programs at www.afar.org

• Planned and executed novel experiments assessing the functional role of neuropeptide signaling• Successfully adapted CRISPRi to the mouse brain • Effectively organized and managed multiple projects independently • Communicated research at a technical level at lab meetings and seminars• Honed organizational skills by balancing fellowship applications, experiments, mentoring, and collaborations

Developed technical expertise in molecular cloning, cell culture, fluorescent activated cell sorting, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, stereotactic surgery

Dr. Szumlinski’s Behavioral and Neural Genetics LaboratoryResearched the cellular processes involved in the development of hypofrontality in cocaine addiction-Aided in further characterizing changes in proteins necessary for oligodendrocytes integrity following a history of excessive cocaine intake by IV self administration and various behavioral testing paradigms followed by immunohistochemisty processingInvestigated how glutamate within the nucleus accumbens regulates the rewarding and reinforcing properties of methamphetamine-Conducted intracranial surgeries to alter glutamate levels in several animal models including conditioned place preference, operant self administration, and home cage drinking

Dr. Miguel Eckstein’s Vision and Image Understanding LaboratoryResearched the visual, cognitive, and decision processes using fMRI-Assisted with running subjects and became familiar with the rigors of scientific research