About the HESP
The Health Enhancement Scientific Program (HESP) prepares the next generation of investigators committed to advancing research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs) for long-term success. The program equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address the evolving scientific and clinical challenges of this field.
While the HESP training spans a broad range of content and research competencies, a unique component of the program is the personalized mentoring provided to each scholar. All trainees receive guidance tailored to their research interests and career goals, supporting independent development, professional growth, and a rewarding trainee experience.
Each HESP cohort includes scholars at various career stages from institutions across the United States. Graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career faculty who are passionate about advancing ADRD science are encouraged to apply.
The HESP is an umbrella term for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and Health and Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities (HABS-HD) mentoring programs.
Supported by these two distinct NIH-NIA U19 grants, the HESP is jointly administered under the direction of Drs. Ozioma Okonkwo and Monica Rivera Mindt. While applicants will apply for one of the funding mechanisms (ADNI or HABS-HD), all scholars will receive the same training and resources. For more details, please see the respective program tabs.