RCMAR
Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) Program

RCMAR National Coordinating Center

The Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) National Coordinating Center is committed to increasing the diversity of the aging research workforce and serving as a resource for RCMAR Center leaders, scientists, and staff.

We support the National Institute of Health's commitment to increasing the diversity of the aging research workforce.  

Housed at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research from 2003-2023 and funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA, R24AG059308), the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) National Coordinating Center serves as a resource for RCMAR center leaders, scientists, and staff, and supports the NIA’s overall goal of increasing the diversity of the aging research workforce.

RCMAR fosters an academic research community that is reflective of the diversity of the U.S. and a field that is responsive to the health and well-being of older adults in diverse communities.

RCMAR at a Glance

18

RCMARs located throughout the United States

 

480+

RCMAR scientists funded since 1997

109

grants awarded to RCMAR V (2018–present)-funded scientists from 7/1/20–6/30/21

The RCMAR National Coordinating Center is responsible for:

  • Supporting NIA in the administration and promotion of the RCMAR program by disseminating information internally and externally to the broader research community.
  • Serving as a bridge among programs, their scientists, and the NIA to the broader research community and other aging networks
  • Coordinating cross-site engagement and learning
  • Amplifying the work of funded RCMAR scientists and alumni
  • Continuously improving the Coordinating Center’s work through evaluation

RCMAR Scientist Highlights

Photo of Lindsey Ross






Lindsey Ross, MD

RCMAR pilot project: Cedars-Sinai Stroke Program Pursuit of Equity

Dr. Ross became a CHIME scientist in 2021. Throughout her career, she has been steadily dedicated to serving disadvantaged populations, mentoring underrepresented minority students, and working towards policy change to address the health needs of the most impoverished and underserved communities.

Orlando Harris






Orlando Harris, PhD, FNP, MPH

RCMAR pilot project: Exploring the Historical and Contextual Impact of Medical Racism and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Older African American MSM

Dr. Harris has been a CADC scientist since 2021. His passion and commitment to pursuing and leading innovative research focused on the experience of medical racism and mistrust among older Black/African American adults is rooted in both his personal and professional experiences.

Justina Avila-Rieger






Justina Avila-Rieger, PhD


RCMAR pilot project: Estrogen, Lifecourse Social Factors, and Cognitive Aging across Race/Ethnicity

A CIRAD scientist since 2021, Dr. Avila-Rieger is focused on identifying and understanding macro-social determinants of sex/gender and racial/ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease. She is passionate about amplifying voices and experiences that are traditionally marginalized in dementia-related research and policy.

Meet more scientists on the RCMAR website.