# Training for Speech and Hearing Sciences

> **NIH NIH T32** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2022 · $517,706

## Abstract

Project Summary/ Abstract
This proposal extends for a period of five years an interdisciplinary doctoral program begun in 1992, the Speech and
Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT) program, which prepares scientists for innovative research careers in the
Speech and Hearing Sciences. Training is intended to enhance markedly the leadership potential of Speech and Hearing
researchers within both academia, industry, and organizations that set science policy. The basic premise of the program
is that today’s speech and hearing scientists must be fluent in a variety of physical, biological, clinical and cognitive
science disciplines to achieve the multidisciplinary advances that drive innovation. A keystone of the program is a
rigorous Core Curriculum that introduces trainees to these four aspects of speech and hearing. The program draws upon
the combined expertise of the faculties of Boston area institutions, including the Harvard Medical School, MIT, Boston
University and the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (MGH-IHP).
 To date, nearly 140 students have graduated with a PhD from SHBT. Trainees have diverse undergraduate
backgrounds in the physical, engineering, biological or cognitive sciences, including some with traditional speech and
hearing backgrounds and AuD degrees. Training combines coursework and research rotations for the first two years
after which it concentrates on dissertation research, with the PhD degree expected after 5 to 6 years. The coursework
and research training combines a broad exposure to the many scientific disciplines relevant to speech and hearing
together with a deep understanding of the student’s chosen research area. An immersive clinical exposure at
Massachusetts Eye and Ear is a highlight of the didactic training program. Special attention is given to issues of integrity
and responsible conduct of research as well as training in methods to enhance reproducibility in research. A unique
collaboration with the MGH-IHP allows interested trainees to meet the requirements for clinical certification in speech-
language pathology through classes and clinical placements at this institution.
 Our ability to recruit trainees from underrepresented minorities has significantly increased over the past five years.
These efforts are being further enhanced through the recent appointment of a faculty Director of Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion, changes in admission procedures aimed at greater equity, and increased recruiting activities.
 A vast majority of our 140 graduates are pursuing research or research-related careers in health care, and half of
these have primary activities in the speech and hearing sciences. Many have faculty positions in basic science,
engineering, and clinical departments and are leading impactful research programs and successfully competing for
research grants. Some are combining research careers with clinical practice in otology, neurology, audiology or speech-
language pathol...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10409274
- **Project number:** 2T32DC000038-31
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Gwenaelle S Geleoc
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $517,706
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1992-07-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10409274

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10409274, Training for Speech and Hearing Sciences (2T32DC000038-31). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10409274. Licensed CC0.

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