TAMU Biology Postdoc Amy Tan Selected as IRACDA Scholar
By: TAMU Biology
Texas A&M University (TAMU) postdoctoral scholar Amy Tan, PhD, from the Marie Strader Lab in the Department of Biology, has been selected as a scholar in the prestigious Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) program. This program, funded by a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to train the next generation of biomedical scientists for both research- and teaching-intensive careers.
Dr. Tan is one of 10 postdoctoral scholars who will participate in this innovative program over the next five years. Through the IRACDA@TAMU, she will receive mentorship and training from faculty at both Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), fostering a collaboration that bridges research-intensive and historically mission-driven institutions.
The IRACDA program is designed to equip postdoctoral scholars with the skills necessary to become independent scientists while also providing a foundation in pedagogy and classroom instruction. This dual focus ensures that scholars like Dr. Tan are prepared to lead successful research programs while navigating the teaching responsibilities often associated with academic positions.
The IRACDA@TAMU program utilizes the Research-Intensive Community (RIC) model, which emphasizes collaboration and mentorship. By leading research teams composed of undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty, scholars gain invaluable leadership experience. The RIC model forms the foundation of the Aggie Research Program at TAMU, which has already transformed research training across multiple colleges.
As part of the program, Dr. Tan will conduct research under the mentorship of Texas A&M faculty while also collaborating with PVAMU faculty to develop innovative, course-based undergraduate research experiences. These experiences are designed to enhance engagement in STEM fields among underrepresented groups while promoting excellence in both research and education.
By the end of the program, Dr. Tan will have gained the skills and experience to lead a productive research team and contribute to the development of sustainable research and teaching programs. Her selection as an IRACDA scholar represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between research- and teaching-intensive institutions.
For more information on the IRACDA@TAMU program, visit https://vitalrecord.tamu.edu/texas-am-and-prairie-view-am-awarded-2-9-million-for-biomedical-research-training-program/
About the Marie Strader Lab
The Marie Strader Lab at Texas A&M University focuses on understanding how organisms respond to environmental change, particularly in marine ecosystems. Through cutting-edge research, the lab explores the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity and resilience in a changing world.
