SHARE CSD: An undergraduate summer research experience in CSD

One major challenge facing the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is its relatively small research workforce. Unlike in many other fields, where there are too many doctoral graduates to occupy a small number of faculty positions (e.g., Ortega & Kent, 2018), CSD has faced a dearth of basic and clinical researchers (CAPSCD & ASHA, 2008). The field is in need of more researchers as well as of clinicians who are well trained in consuming and conducting research, and who are therefore capable of being at the forefront of the field and its rapidly changing needs. The proposed research education program—Summer Health Academic Research Experience in Communication Sciences and Disorders (SHARE-CSD)—is a 6-week summer research experience for undergraduate students. Program participants will engage in activities in three main areas: (i) research (depth and breadth components), (ii) academic and career preparation, and (iii) extensive mentoring from peers and faculty resulting in a robust social network. Social networks play an important role in students’ academic achievement. Taken together, these activities are expected to increase program participants’ academic and skills preparedness for research and clinical careers. The program will undergo rigorous evaluation to assess its efficacy for program participants both short- and long-term.