|
Dissertation Research
Predoctoral trainees select a
mentor at the end of their first year in residence. Candidates for
appointment to the training grant submit a research plan to the
executive committee, which describes their proposed thesis research and
specifically its focus on drug abuse. A thesis advisory committee is
then formed. For those students placed on the training grant their
thesis advisory committee will contain at least one additional member of
the training faculty. This committee is responsible for oversight of
the trainee's research and for qualifying and final exams. In
preparation for the Qualifying Exam, which is administered at the end of
the second year, the trainee writes a research proposal in the NIH NRSA
format. An oral examination to defend this proposal is then
administered by the advisory committee. Trainees successfully
completing this exam are admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
The preparation of the research proposal in the NRSA format leads to the
student applying for an individual NRSA, as required of trainees.
Additionally, oversight will be provided by the student’s advisory
committee that meets at least once annually to monitor the progress of
the trainee. The mentor is responsible for evaluating and assisting the
daily progress of the trainee. As the student nears completion of their
thesis research, the advisory committee will decide when laboratory work
has been completed and the thesis can be prepared. The thesis is
presented at a public lecture that is followed by examination by the
advisory committee and an outside member who represents the Graduate
Dean. Each year trainees submit a written progress report that is
evaluated by the executive committee for determination of whether
funding of the trainee should continue. To date no trainees have been
taken off of the training grant for lack of progress. Further our
predoctoral trainees are encouraged to attend national and/or
international meetings and submit an abstract for a poster or oral
presentation. Their presentations at our annual symposium as well at
the “Local NIDA” meetings provide an excellent forum for trainees to
perfect their presentations. |
