Training for Speech and Hearing Sciences

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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 pathology. Some are taking leadership roles in industries related to speech and hearing or in the broader biotechnology field where they are developing assistive devices for communication disorders and drug therapies for hearing loss.