Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

  • US citizen or permanent resident
  • Enrolled as a doctoral student in biostatistics or epidemiology at UAB
  • GPA ≥ 3.5 in the first 18 months in the doctoral program
  • Passing grade on the doctoral qualifying exam
  • Demonstrated commitment to conducting CVD research
  • Identification of a primary and secondary mentor

The application package should include:

  • The student’s curriculum vitae
  • Aims page and a three-page plan for an original research project with timeline
  • A one page statement of the applicant’s career goals and training goals for their time in the T32 program
  • A one page mentoring plan from the candidate’s mentoring team
  • The student’s transcript

A letter of reference from the student’s primary mentor acknowledging financial support for the trainee if they do not receive an external grant by the end of their second year in the T32 program.

Contact Information: Program Administrator (Nicole Cross nicolen@uab.edu)
 

Application Deadlines:

  • Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, May 6, 2022.
  • Qualified applicants will be invited to present notified for a Chalk Talk by Friday, May 27, 2022 (5:00 p.m.)
  • Chalk Talks will occur be scheduled in mid-June, 2022
  • Applicants will be notified by June 30, 2022
  • Fellowships will begin in Fall 2022.

 

Women, individuals from traditionally disadvantaged groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Chalk Talk Interviews

  • Qualified applicant will be invited to give a “Chalk Talk.”
  • Chalk Talk: A 10 minute oral presentation followed by a question/answer period. Applicants will be instructed to present their research area of interest and address four domains:
    • Background and significance of their research focus,
    • Any prior work they have conducted in this area,
    • Approach to conducting a specific research project in this area as part of the T32 program, and
    • How the T32 program will facilitate their success as a CVD biostatistician/epidemiologist.

Selection Criteria

  • The T32 selection process will focus on potential trainees most capable of becoming a successful academic researcher with a lifelong interest in commitment to CVD research.
  • The PDs and Executive Committee members will evaluate the presentations and score each domain from 1 (Exceptional) to 9 (Poor), consistent with the NIH scoring system. Admission decisions will be based on these scores.
  • The PDs and Executive Committee members will abstain from voting on students they are mentoring.  Accepted trainees will start in the program in Fall 2022 and they will be recognized as T32 scholars.