Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Translational Research in CSD
Translational research, as defined by NIH, is where “scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications.”
The goal of the CSD Department’s new translational research training program is to foster trainees’ understanding of communication disorders from a broad perspective; to train them to consider how all aspects of communication—sensory processing, linguistics and cognitive factors, and motor processes—interact in normal and disordered functioning, and how research addressing normal processes helps to design prevention and treatment strategies.
Two highlights of the new program, case-based presentations and translational seminars, will provide venues for examining selected sensory, cognitive or motor disorders from various perspectives, ranging from the physiology of normal systems to the diagnosis and potential treatment of the given disorder. One outcome of these discussions will be the generation of ideas for experiments that may elucidate the relationship not only between basic processes and clinical strategies, but also across the sensory, cognitive and motor domains.
Doctoral students in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepare for academic, teaching and research careers, investigating human communication mechanisms, processes, and disorders.
Through the program, you will experience a model research education that provides access to the vast experience of scientists in our department as well as in other departments on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The PhD program fosters critical thinking and development of programmatic research, and offers experience in technologically advanced research laboratories and clinics with state-of-the-art equipment. Scientific writing, publishing, and external research funding are emphasized throughout the program.
The program is unique in the breadth and depth of its course offerings and research opportunities focused on:
- Examining the processes of sensation, perception, cognition, and motor control that underlie human communication
- Studying developing, degenerating, and regenerating systems, and the impact of experience on these processes in both normal and disordered communication
- Developing assessments and treatments for individuals with disordered communication
- Investigating social, familial, and cultural issues that impact normal and disordered communication
- Exploring the molecular and epidemiological bases of normal and disordered human communication
The School of Communication stresses a rich intellectual life fostered through interdisciplinary studies, and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders encourages faculty and students to pursue cross-disciplinary opportunities for course work, research, and laboratory experience in allied departments and programs, including cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, complex systems, language and cognition, linguistics, music, psychology, and neuroscience. Attending frequent colloquia featuring Northwestern faculty and other national and international scientists from a variety of disciplines is part of academic life at Northwestern.
