TRACCS Research Program

Training for Research and Academic Careers in Communication Sciences (TRACCS)

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in research?

Our Training for Research and Academic Careers in Communication Sciences (TRACCS) is a six-week intensive research program for students with a strong interest in pursuing a research and/or academic career in communication sciences and disorders. A primary goal of this program is to increase the number and diversity of students in pursuit of academic careers in the field of communication sciences and disorders.

Undergraduate students and recent graduates are eligible to apply, regardless of academic major or emphasis. Because of the program’s primary goal, historically under-represented students in this field are encouraged to apply (i.e., African American, Latino/a, Asian American, American Indian/Native American).

TRACCS is funded by the Department of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington.

Program information

Fees

There are no application or admission fees for the TRACCS program.

Transportation

Transportation will be arranged and covered by the program. Admitted students will be contacted to identify their city of departure (via air transportation) and tickets will be purchased by the program. For those who wish to travel by car, round-trip costs for mileage will be refunded.

Room and board

Room and board during the six-week TRACCS program will be available through campus residence halls. The program will cover these costs as well. Students may make alternative housing arrangements if they desire, but funding will not be provided for alternative arrangements.

Information sessions

In addition to doing research, TRACCS students will spend time in group discussions with various faculty members about pursuing and succeeding in a research career.

Topics include:

  1. Choosing a doctoral program and creating the best possible application
  2. Funding for graduate school (and beyond)
  3. Deciding what to study
  4. Being a critical reader and careful writer
  5. Research methods and ethics
  6. Presenting at conferences and publishing in journals
  7. Networking
  8. Job opportunities
  9. Life in academia

At the conclusion of the six-week TRACCS program, every student will have knowledge of what it is like to be a researcher in the field of communication sciences and disorders. They also gain the confidence that comes from succeeding at a challenge.

TRACCS faculty have strong research programs in a broad variety of areas. They serve as mentors to students in the program. Previous TRACCS faculty include:

  • Raquel Anderson, Ph.D. bilingualism/child language disorders
  • Tessa Bent, Ph.D. speech perception
  • Karen Forrest, Ph.D. motor speech disorders
  • Jennifer Lentz Ph.D. psychoacoustics
  • Rita Patel, Ph.D. voice disorders
  • Yi Shen, Ph.D. audiology, psychoacoustics and computational neuroscience

How to apply

Applying is simple. Just follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Download the application forms from our website
  • Step 2: Fill out the application form and attach a short statement of interest
  • Step 3: Have two faculty members write letters of recommendation on your behalf
  • Step 4: Request official transcripts from all colleges you have attended be sent to the TRACCS Program.
  • Step 5: Send all materials by mail by March 23, 2018

Download the TRACCS application

Download the TRACCS letter of recommendation

If you are unable to access the application forms for any reason, please contact our office for additional assistance.

What people are saying about the TRACCS program

“The most positive aspect was walking away from this program with a clearer vision for my life. I came here extremely confused and am walking away wiser and more disciplined in research.”

“TRACCS gives us the chance to be in a research setting that is not stressful. It disapproved the idea that research is painful.”

“TRACCS has been a life-changing experience, and I hope that it continues to give students like myself the chance to see what research is really about.”