Question 1

Who should apply?

Accepted Answer

See the following pages for more information:
 • Student Trainee Applicants (https://tideprogram.wixsite.com/my-site/student-trainee-application)
 • Faculty Trainee Applicants  (https://tideprogram.wixsite.com/my-site/faculty-trainee-application)

Question 2

At what stage in their education program should students apply?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE program encourages students to apply as early as possible in their graduate professional training. This will maximize the time that students have to devote to the TIDE program while still engaged in their professional training. The TIDE program recognizes that some students may graduate before the 2-year program is completed. These students will still be required to finish out the 2-year commitment.

Question 3

Can doctor of philosophy students, postdoctoral scholars, or practitioners apply?

Accepted Answer

At the present time, we are only accepting applications from students in the early phases of their graduate professional training in occupational therapy or physical therapy (e.g., MOT, MSOT, OTD, DPT programs). We hope to expand the program to include PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and practitioners at a future point, as the program advances.

Question 4

To what extent do student applications need to be committed to a career in research?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE program is designed for students who are interested in learning more about research as a career option and will provide education and training in research career development and research activities. Students should expect to be actively engaged in research during the program and should have sufficient interest in these activities before applying. However, students need not commit to starting a research career at the end of the program or feel compelled to have a focused research idea before starting the TIDE program.

Question 5

How long is the program and what time commitment is expected?

Accepted Answer

Students are required to make a 2-year commitment to the program starting in the summer of the first year. The TIDE program recognizes that some students may graduate before the 2 years are completed. These students are still required to finish out the 2-year commitment. The TIDE program is designed to require 5 – 10 hours per month on average for student trainees, with some months requiring less, and other months requiring more. Student trainees and faculty trainees can tailor most time commitments around their schedules, with the exception of the Annual Workshop in the summer each year.

Question 6

What activities will be completed during the program?

Accepted Answer

Student trainees are required to:  
 • attend the in-person TIDE Annual Workshop (https://tideprogram.wixsite.com/my-site/workshop)held in the summer each year (travel support provided by the TIDE program)  
 • develop  and execute research and mentoring activities outlined in dyad development plan in partnership with faculty trainee and executive  committee liaison; this will include completing a research project with a  faculty trainee such as a  literature review or secondary analysis of data, as well as preparing  career development materials such as a curriculum vitae and research  statement  
 • attend quarterly virtual meetings
 • submit semi-annual progress reports and attend progress report meetings as needed

Question 7

How will the program dovetail with graduate professional education?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE  program is designed to require an average of 1-2 hours per week over  the course of the 2 years. Some weeks may be less, and other weeks more.  Students will be required to attend the 2-day annual workshop in the summer, and to complete assigned activities every quarter. These activities can be scheduled around the student’s  academic and personal responsibilities, in conjunction with their  tailored dyad development plan and faculty trainee’s schedules.

Question 8

Is there financial support available?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE program provides funding for student trainee travel to the Annual Workshop each summer, including airfare or mileage, hotel, and meals. Additional funding is available to support travel funds and student trainee scholarships, pending availability.

Question 9

How are student trainees paired with faculty trainees?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE program is designed to train both students and faculty. Therefore, student and faculty applicants will be matched into dyads based on various factors including research interests, training needs, and geographical proximity, among others. Student and faculty trainees who are paired together may or may not be at the same institution.

Question 10

How many people are admitted to the program each year?

Accepted Answer

The TIDE program will admit 5 student trainees and 5 faculty trainees each year to create 5 dyads (or pairs). These dyads will be combined for some activities (e.g. quarterly virtual meetings).

Question 11

How do I access the TIDE application materials?

Accepted Answer

Please complete this brief survey (https://redcap.link/TIDEinquiry)to be granted access to the application submission system.  Necessary application materials are outlined on the Application page (https://tideprogram.wixsite.com/my-site/student-trainee-application)of the TIDE website.

Question 12

When will I be notified if my application is accepted? When does the program begin?

Accepted Answer

Student  trainee applicants will be notified of acceptance in April or May.  There will be a web conference orientation session in May or June and the program will commence in July.

Question 13

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

Contact the TIDE Program Administrator, Laura Waterstram, by email TIDE@groups.pitt.edu

TIDE's commitment to Establishing Trust, Stimulating Inquiry, Nurturing Development, and Community Engagement.

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