Graduate

Transitions to Academic Careers (TRACS)

TRACS provides a one-year paid research training program focused on addressing disparities and advancing health equity. TRACS scholars participate in on-going research under the guidance of a research mentor. TRACS is designed to strengthen research capacity in medical, graduate, and select postbaccalaureate students as they transition to the next level of their careers in biomedicine or public health. The goal is to provide students with rigorous research training and opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and strengthen their applications for residency or post-doctoral training. 

Research Focus

Research activities will focus on topics such as on topics addressing structural drivers of health, community engaged research, health equity in the clinical practice, implementation, and evaluation of health equity initiatives. Students will be expected to contribute to scientific publications. participate in research seminars, and present their work at scientific meetings. 

Stipend

$25,000 total will be provided. Scholars are responsible for their own housing and transportation. 

Eligibility

• Must be a US Citizen/ Permanent Resident 
• A current student in a pre-doctoral program within the United States (For example: DrPH, MD, PhD, DNP) or a student in their gap year planning to apply to doctoral program. MD/PhD students are not eligible. 
• Demonstrate interest in health equity focused public health, community-based, clinical, and translational research. 
• Being in good academic standing.
• Be able to dedicate 20 hours per week for one year (research and meetings included). 

How to Apply

• A cover letter including the applicant’s career goals, area of research interest, prior research experience, how they would benefit from participating in this program, and plans after the program (500 words, max) 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript with course listing
• Letter of recommendation (1)
• Please send all items in one pdf file to: Lakia.Maxwell@Downstate.edu