2025 Training in Research Affecting Child Health (TRAC) Program
The Training in Research Affecting Child Health (TRAC) program provides a novel and innovative research training opportunity in child health and development for learners across the spectrum of educational levels (undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents, and fellows). It consists of a paid full-time summer program (approximately eight weeks) with continued engagement throughout the academic year to bring your project to completion.
TRAC is supported by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and receives funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (Award Number R25HD111367).
Note: Housing cannot be provided as part of the program, and if accepted, you would be responsible to find housing near Winston-Salem, NC.
The program offers the following:
- Eight-week in-person paid internship
- Join a diverse group of learners and serve as a coach-mentor to other learners, including frequent interactions with medical students and residents
- Autonomously design your own research project about an idea you are passionate about under guidance of a faculty coach-mentor
- Develop research skills emphasizing autonomy and critical thinking
- Pediatrics-specific skills course and career-enhancing activities
- Present your work at the Summer Research Symposium and at a national conference
- Publish your work in a medical journal as first author! Continue research after the summer to see your project to completion
- In addition to their own research project, you may engage in seminars, hands-on training, social events, and networking opportunities, including interactions with other training program participants
- Develop a child health research identity
Program Outcomes for each Learner:
- Submit an abstract to attend a child health-relevant scientific conference
- Submit a first-authored manuscript to a high-impact, peer-reviewed journal
Eligibility requirements:
**Applicants MUST apply through our online application - Handshake applications are NOT accepted**
- Student learners in good academic standing; professional learners (post-doctorate/residency/fellowship) with an interest in child health and development
- Must have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate education
- Minimum age: 18 years (by May 28, 2025)
- Must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on the 4.0 scale) is desired
- Individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences are especially encouraged to apply
In addition to the completed online application, applicants must submit:
- Academic transcript(s) – unofficial or official accepted
- Two professional references
- Personal references (including family members) are not accepted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025
https://redcap.link/TRAC2025APPLICATION
PROGRAM WEBSITE:
https://school.wakehealth.edu/departments/pediatrics/training-in-research-affecting-child-health