TRACC is an innovative, multi-institution mentorship program intended to help diversify translational addiction research.
Addiction research comprises a series of disciplines, from neurobiology to community health. Translational research bridges seemingly disparate areas of study in an effort to conduct better science and design care that is more effective and meets the needs of diverse communities. Translational researchers are knowledgeable in more than one field of study, but more importantly, are interested in multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
TRACC follows the National Institute of Health (NIH) description an underrepresented group: Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see data at http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/showpub.cfm?TopID=2&SubID=27Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, 2007, p. 262).The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: American Indians or Alaska Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders.
Students who are:
- First and second years in Doctoral level training in Social, Behavioral and Clinical Sciences (PhD)
- Incoming or first-years in Social Sciences or Public Health Master’s (MA)
- Incoming or first-years in Mental Health Counseling (MHC)
- Third-year in CUNY Medicine/ Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education (BS/MD)
- From a racial or ethnic group that is underrepresented in behavioral/social/clinical or biomedical sciences.
TRACC requires a minimum undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.3 and a demonstrated proficiency in research. Along with a completed application form, interested applicants will email unofficial copies of all attended colleges or universities. For detailed instructions and an application form, please email tracc@ccny.cuny.edu.
TRACC is committed to the mentorship of individuals who are underrepresented in the social/behavioral/clinical or biomedical. If you have questions about this eligibility criteria, please email tracc@ccny.cuny.edu.
Yes, TRACC requires two letters of recommendation from professors or instructors familiar with your academic work and professional goals. Each letter should address your potential for scientific research in addiction and/or neurobiology fields. Letters must come directly from the reference; we will not accept recommendation letters sent to us by the applicant. Recommendation letter forms to provide each reference are available.
TRACC asks for a two-year commitment from MA, MHC, and CUNY School of Medicine/Sophie Davis students. A commitment is three years for Ph.D. students.
We feel that two years is the minimum amount of time that we can expect students to: 1.) Foster meaningful relationships with their mentors. 2.) Develop and execute a research plan. 3.) Apply and gain admission to either a MD or PhD program.
Each TRACC scholar has their own individualized research plan. A typical week may vary widely from research lab to research lab. However, TRACC scholars come together on a weekly basis for either a mentor-run Seminar or scholar-led Journal Club.
