How to Apply

Q: What is unique and innovative about the TRAC program?

Learner-as-Principal Investigator (Learner-PI)© Participants complete their own autonomous research project that addresses critical problems in child health for which they are passionate. They are in charge of their research project and will therefore be responsible for every step. Each participant will have a coach-mentor, to coach participants every step of the way. Ideation, Conceptualization, Design, Implementation, and Dissemination (I DID IT)© The I DID IT model provides a rigorous structure to empower participants to think about every step of their project with their coach-mentors. The TRAC program coaches participants how to conceptualize their idea into a rigorous research question, design a project to answer that question, implement their project from start to finish, and disseminate their findings. Write As You Go (WAYG)© As part of the TRAC curriculum, participants will write their first-authored abstract and manuscript starting from day one. As a complement to the mentoring by coach-mentors, TRAC guides participants on how to focus their idea and research question into a formal Introduction, clearly describe how they are doing the project in the Methods, clearly report their findings in the Results, and @contextualize their findings into the broader field in the Discussion. Near-Peer Coach-Mentoring (NPCM)© Mirroring the TRAC program coaching approach TRAC participants will serve as coach-mentors to each other in at least weekly meetings.

Providing a novel child health and development research training opportunity across the spectrum of educational levels (undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents, and fellows).

We encourage individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to apply (e.g., Black / African American, Alaskan Native, Native American, Asian-Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino/a/x), individuals with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds (urban/rural areas, first-generation college students, low socioeconomic status, etc.).

Application Process

Applications, including reference letters, are due January 10, 2025.

The 2025 summer program is projected to start on May 28, 2025 and end on July 24, 2025. Applicants must meet the criteria below to be considered.

Applicants Must Be:

Student learners in good academic standing (minimum GPA 2.85) with at least two semesters of college completed upon program start date; professional learners (post-doctorate/residency/fellowship)
Interested in research relevant to child health and development.
U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Able to commit to working 40 hours a week for the summer portion of the program
Able to participate in person in all activities that are part of the summer program
Committed to continue limited participation throughout the following academic year to see their project to completion

Required Documentation

Completed online application form, including personal statement
Academic transcripts
Two letters of recommendation with your name in subject line directly submitted to TRAC@wakehealth.edu

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique and innovative about the TRAC program?

Learner-as-Principal Investigator (Learner-PI)©

Participants complete their own autonomous research project that addresses critical problems in child health for which they are passionate. They are in charge of their research project and will therefore be responsible for every step. Each participant will have a coach-mentor, to coach participants every step of the way.

Ideation, Conceptualization, Design, Implementation, and Dissemination (I DID IT)©

The I DID IT model provides a rigorous structure to empower participants to think about every step of their project with their coach-mentors. The TRAC program coaches
participants how to conceptualize their idea into a rigorous research question, design a project to answer that question, implement their project from start to finish, and
disseminate their findings.

Write As You Go (WAYG)©

As part of the TRAC curriculum, participants will write their first-authored abstract and manuscript starting from day one. As a complement to the mentoring by coach-mentors, TRAC guides participants on how to focus their idea and research question into a formal Introduction, clearly describe how they are doing the project in the Methods, clearly report their findings in the Results, and contextualize their findings into the broader field in the Discussion.

Near-Peer Coach-Mentoring (NPCM)©

Mirroring the TRAC program coaching approach TRAC participants will serve as coach-mentors to each other in at least weekly meetings.

Where is the application?

Please use this link.

How should I respond to the personal statement?

Please upload a single page (8.5 x 11), 11pt font, minimum 250 words, single-spaced personal statement to answer the following questions, as described on the application form:

What are your values?
When you have failed in something, what did you do differently the next time you faced a similar situation?

Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

We encourage you to find individuals who can best speak to your qualifications, character, interest and commitment to engaging in research and advance education and training in biomedically relevant disciplines, and address, to the extent possible, any experience most pertinent to this program (e.g. child-health related coursework or training).

What happens if my recommendation letter is sent in late?

All application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, must be submitted on or before the application deadline. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted after the due date. Your application will still be reviewed, but you will be penalized for your missing letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be emailed to TRAC@wakehealth.edu with the student’s name in the subject line.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.

Do you have to be in college to apply?

You must have completed at least two semesters of college (at an undergraduate college, community college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territory) and be currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, or have completed an advanced degree and be involved in continued training e.g. residency, fellowship, etc.

Are there any age restrictions?

Yes. Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before the first day of the 8-week summer program.

Are there additional eligibility criteria?

Yes. You must have:

A cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher (4.0 scale)
Completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education by the start of the
current Summer Scholar Program
An interest in or currently pursuing a masters, PhD and/or MD degree or similar, or
be in professional continuing training after completing a degree

Can I mail a hard copy of my application?

No. We cannot accept hard copies of applications. Only on-line applications will be reviewed. Please also have your transcripts and letters of recommendations sent electronically. Should this be a problem, please email us at TRAC@wakehealth.edu.

What are next steps after I submit my application?

Your application will be reviewed independently by multiple reviewers. If you are selected into the next round, TRAC will contact you to schedule an interview.

How soon can I expect to hear whether I got accepted into the TRAC Program?

After interview completion for those who were selected into the next round, the committee will make final decisions and contact all applicants as soon as possible.

What else do I have to do after acceptance into the program but prior to the summer start date?/Why is the application deadline so early?

This program needs ample time prior to the official start in the summer to make sure you are well prepared to start your research immediately. We call this time the “runway”, to get you ready. Since you will be the major driving force behind the project you wish to work on (you as a learner will also be the principal investigator and design your research project), TRAC needs to make sure you are well prepared in terms of selecting a mentor and completing all necessary paperwork, both for onboarding but also for your proposed research project.

Does your program provide housing?

No. Unfortunately, this program cannot provide housing. If accepted, you would have to organize your own housing near Winston-Salem, NC for the 8-week long summer experience.

Do I need to provide my own transportation to WFUSM?

Yes. While there is some public transportation available and shuttle buses can take you from one WFUSM location to another, you are responsible for your transportation.

Does the program provide compensation?

Yes. You will receive compensation equivalent to approximately $15/hr for the summer portion of the program.

Does the program provide food?

No. While we will have occasional luncheons or receptions as part of the program, you must provide your own food.

Do I get a chance to network with peers and faculty?

Absolutely, this is one major intent of the TRAC. In addition to interactions with coach-mentors, through horizontal peer mentoring, and through weekly TRAC group meetings, you will have frequent, direct interactions during professional and social program components with other summer program participants (e.g. Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences; Enhancing Undergraduate Education and Research in Aging to Eliminate Health Disparities; Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, and others.)

Do I get to present my data?

Absolutely! You will provide frequent updates on your research progress to the group throughout the summer, and the TRAC summer portion culminates in a research symposium where you will present a poster and receive recognition. You may invite family and friends to share your research accomplishments with them as well. You are also asked to write an abstract to present at a scientific conference focused on child health, and to write a first-authored publication.

How involved is the continued program participation in the following fall and spring semesters?

We strongly encourage you to continue to work on our research project with your TRAC coach-mentor (most likely remotely, e.g. finishing data analyses, writing on a first-authored manuscript, etc.) to bring your project to completion. This will be based on your own schedule and availability. We also plan to hold monthly meetings with the full group of TRAC scholars to provide peer support to one another, address hurdles, receive feedback and guidance.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

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