ASHA Audiology/Hearing Science Research Travel Award (ARTA) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ARTA?
The objectives of ARTA are to provide students in audiology and/or hearing science an opportunity to
- learn more about current research,
- network with fellow students and seasoned professionals currently conducting research, and
- learn more about academic-research careers while experiencing the ASHA Convention.
Who sponsors the award?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) sponsors this award in support of the Association's strategic objectives to support the growth of the research base of the discipline and to increase the membership's commitment to research.
What is the value of the award?
The recipients will receive a travel stipend of $500 and complimentary registration to attend the ASHA Convention. Several of the required events will include a meal. The ASHA Convention website has information about room sharing.
Who is eligible to apply?
An individual is eligible to apply if he or she has not previously won this award and is currently (at the time of application submission) enrolled in one of the following:
- A clinical doctoral degree program (e.g., AuD) accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
- A research doctoral degree program (e.g., PhD) in audiology or hearing science
- A postdoctoral fellowship program in audiology or hearing science
What materials are to be included in the application packet?
The application packet [PDF] consists of the following:
- Completed Application
- Curriculum Vitae detailing research and/or clinical activities
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty member or research mentor (see details below)
- A 2-page essay (see details below)
How should my application packet be submitted?
All application packets [PDF] following the prescribed naming conventions (see application) must be received electronically no later than June 1, 2011 at academicaffairs@asha.org.
What information should be included in the essay portion of the application packet?
The essay should be no longer than 2 pages, prepared in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with all margins set at 1 inch. It should describe either your 1) research interests, current and past research experiences (e.g., formal or informal, including thesis, capstone, or dissertation), and any future research goals in audiology or hearing science; OR 2) research interests, current and past clinical experiences that have influenced your interests in pursuing research in audiology or hearing science.
Who can submit a letter of recommendation?
- Your recommendation should come from a faculty member and/or mentor who is knowledgeable of your research interests, current and past research OR clinical experiences, and any future research goals you may have in audiology or hearing science. The letter should address your potential for advancing the scientific knowledge base of the discipline.
- The person submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf must hold a research doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a related discipline. They need not be employed at the same institution where you are enrolled, and need not hold a faculty appointment within a communication sciences and disorders program.
What are the selection criteria?
The review panel will use the following criteria to rate each application:
- Rationale of response
- Clarity of response
- Organization of response
- Research interests
- Research and/or clinical experiences
- Future research goals and/or clinical goals
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of recommendation
When will I be notified of the outcome of the application review process?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the application review process in August 2011.
If selected, how is the award distributed?
- You will receive the travel stipend (made payable to the applicant) within 30 days following the Convention.
- To receive complimentary Convention registration, please follow the instructions that will be included in the award notification.
What sessions and events am I expected to attend at the ASHA Convention?
Each award recipient will be expected to attend some pre-selected events and sessions that will be outlined prior to the Convention, but may include the following:
- Researcher-Academic Town Meeting on Wednesday evening.
The meeting will include a dinner and presentations on the topic, “Training the Next Generation of Clinical Researchers.” The recipients of a variety of academic research awards, including the ARTA, will also be recognized. A dessert networking reception will follow the meeting. - The ARTA breakfast on Thursday morning.
Meet and greet other award winners at this networking breakfast. - Opening Session on Thursday morning.
The session is the kick-off for the convention that highlights events of the next three days and provides entertainment for the attendees- The ASHFoundation Founders Breakfast on Friday morning.
Learn about the ASH Foundation scholarship and grant programs as the 2011 awardees are recognized during this networking breakfast.- Awards Ceremony on Friday evening.
The ceremony celebrates the highest achievement and excellence in the CSD professions, including the presentation of the Honors of the Association, ASHA Fellows, and Annie Glenn Award.
Other Convention opportunities include:
- New Investigator Roundtable Lunchtime Session on Thursday.
New investigators will interact with individuals in the discipline who can offer advice concerning successful academic-research careers (e.g., beginning a research career, balancing research and other activities, identifying appropriate research funding, and interviewing for a professional position).
- Pathways to Research Funding Roundtable Lunchtime Session on Friday.
Through informal discussions with seasoned investigators, participants will be able to gather information on such topics as types of federal and private funding opportunities, training and career development grants, and tips on grant writing.
- NIDCD-Sponsored Research Symposium all day on Saturday. Topic: Neurobiological Bases of Auditory and Speech Perception.
- PhD Information Sharing Session on Saturday. This session is an informal discussion/networking session for students interested in or currently enrolled in a PhD program.
- Additional Convention sessions of interest. Be sure to attend the educational and scientific program sessions and posters, and the closing party.
How can I locate more specific information about the Convention?
Please refer to the Convention website for more details about the 2011 ASHA Convention.
What if I still have questions?
Contact academicaffairs@asha.org.