Research Proposal

DOCTORAL AND POSTDOCTORAL 

Doctoral and postdoctoral applicants must propose a supplemental independent research project to complete simultaneously with the main assigned project. Trainees that have reached candidacy are required to prepare a concept paper for the supplemental project that outlines the project goals and hypothesis, summarizes the literature, and discusses the plan for methodology and data analysis. Trainees will be guided in completing the online application to secure the IRB approval for their project.

The brief 3-5 page research proposal should include the following:

  • A brief statement of the problem or issue your project will address, including any citations from previous research on the topic;
  • A hypothesis of what you expect to find;
  • A brief description of the methods you will use for your research project;
  • How you expect the outcome to be useful to the local community; and 
  • How you expect the project will support your personal and professional growth and development

NOTE: PhD students may use this supplemental project as a pilot for future research related to their PhD program, but not to directly support their dissertation.

masters

While the primary assignment of Masters level trainees will be to the listed projects and topic areas on each training site's page, applicants may propose an additional health disparities project to complete during their training. These projects may fall outside the scope of the listed projects for each training site but must build upon the expertise of the existing site mentor(s).  Approval will be at the discretion of each individual site.

Masters level applicants may upload an OPTIONAL research proposal at the time of their application indicating their interest in completing an additional project.

The brief 1-2 page proposal should include the following:

  • A brief statement of the problem or issue your proposed project will address and how completion of this project will support your personal and professional growth
  • In a concise, bulleted format, please outline:
    • A hypothesis of what you expect to find;
    • A brief description of the methods you will use for your research project;
    • How you expect the outcome to be useful to the local community
  • Please include any citations as appropriate

Upon selection, trainees must work with their assigned international mentor to develop and approve the project prior to conducting any supplemental research.