Creating pathways for Black students to enter Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences careers
Official title: Developing a Pathway for Preparing Underrepresented Minority Students for a Career in Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10936183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a training program to help young Black students explore careers in ear, nose, and throat medicine and communication sciences by offering them research experiences and mentorship, so they can overcome challenges and get the support they need to succeed in these important fields.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,416 |
| NIH project number | 1R25DC021934-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are Black or African American students aged 0-11 who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM, particularly in Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or African American may not receive direct benefits from this specific program.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the underrepresentation of Black or African American students in the fields of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences by developing a comprehensive training program. The program will provide research experiences and mentorship opportunities to young Black students, helping them navigate educational barriers and gain access to resources in STEM fields. By collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the initiative seeks to enhance awareness and interest in these career paths among Black youth. The ultimate goal is to reduce health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes through increased representation in these critical fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of Black professionals in Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, leading to better health outcomes for communities of color.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in medical fields have shown promise, indicating that targeted programs can effectively enhance representation and career pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank-Ito, Dennis Onyeka — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Frank-Ito, Dennis Onyeka
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.