Increasing PhD opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in biomedical sciences
Official title: Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) Students (RB2D).
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-10893425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program is designed to help deaf and hard-of-hearing students succeed in PhD programs in biomedical sciences by providing them with support, mentorship, and resources tailored to their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Training grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $296,490 |
| NIH project number | 5T32GM150525-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are deaf and hard-of-hearing students who aspire to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not deaf or hard-of-hearing may not receive direct benefits from this program.
What this research studies
This program aims to enhance the representation of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in PhD programs within biomedical sciences. It involves a partnership between the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, focusing on creating supportive educational environments and resources tailored for deaf students. The initiative includes mentorship, training, and community engagement to help these students successfully transition into and complete their doctoral studies. By addressing barriers and fostering a culturally inclusive atmosphere, the program seeks to empower deaf students in their academic pursuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of deaf individuals earning PhDs in biomedical sciences, leading to greater diversity and innovation in the field.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at increasing representation of deaf individuals in academia have shown promise, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacob, Bonnie C — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Jacob, Bonnie C
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.