Dr. Allison Aiello

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Biography

Dr. Aiello’s research explores economic, psychological, and biological factors that shape healthy longevity and cognitive function, particularly in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Her work focuses on how stressful experiences throughout the life course influence biological aging, especially immune system aging (immunosenescence), which serves as a key pathway linking stress to health in the aging process. As the Deputy Director of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Adult Health (Add Health), Dr. Aiello led the development of the Add Health Cognitive Assessment and Physical Sensory Function protocol (Add CAPS). By integrating digital assessments, Add CAPS has generated a landmark representative neurocognitive dataset with 12,000 participants in early to midlife. She directed the collection of physical sensory function measures, which are important early indicators of cognitive decline. These efforts are crucial in expanding the nation's research capacity to understand the biological and social factors that shape cognitive aging and dementia risk, long before symptoms appear.

Research Interests

Awards

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Carol J. Rowland Hogue Award

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Yerby Visiting Associate Professorship

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John G. Searle Assistant Professorship

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Junior Faculty Training Award

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Anna C. Gelman Award

Requirements for Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution One semester of college-level mathematics (Algebra or above) One semester of introductory Biology Evidence of quantitative and analytical ability
Application Checklist
  • SOPHAS Online Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Personal Statement (500-1000 words)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Quantitative & Analytical Assessment
Specialization Notes

Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) options available. GRE is optional for Fall 2026.