STRIDE OT Research Fund FAQ's
- What is STRIDE?
STRIDE stands for Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. It is AOTF’s standing committee to develop, direct, and evaluate AOTF initiatives to promote diversity & belonging, combat racism, heal trauma, achieve equity, and social justice. STRIDE aims to identify and address any barriers in our community to full inclusion and learn more from our stakeholders about experiences that could inform us about how to do better and promote the kinds of reflections and insights that fuel change. While some of these actions build on existing initiatives within AOTF, others represent new steps that the Foundation will be enacting in direct response to recent events. Read full action plan.
- I am an Occupational therapist working PRN/Per-Diem. Am I eligible to apply for the STRIDE Research Fund?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the STRIDE Research Fund apply.
- Can I apply if I am not from an under-represented background, with disabilities, and/or from under-resourced backgrounds?
No. The eligibility criteria for this award requires the applicant to be from an under-represented background, with disabilities, and/or from under-resourced backgrounds.
- I know a researcher who works in the area I am interested in. Can I request them as my mentor?
No. AOTF’s STRIDE committee will identify a mentor and match them with you for this award cycle.
- What if my mentor is located in a different state?
There are no restrictions on where mentees are geographically located or the institution where they are based.
- Do I have to make a Survey Monkey account to apply?
Yes. Please look for the instructions in ‘AOTF Survey Monkey Instructions - How to Create an Account’.
- What will be my mentor’s role?
The mentor will guide the selected student/clinician through a research experience over an intensive 8 or 16-week period. During this period, the mentor will provide instruction, direction, challenge and support to the mentee through weekly individual meetings, weekly lab meetings and/or training to carry out expected research experience. The mentor will monitor the mentee’s research activities and provide feedback, offer informal guidance and direction regarding future prospects for research engagement for the applicant, networking possibilities and regional & national conference opportunities. Additionally, the mentor will guide the applicant to prepare a presentation for the STRIDE Research Fund Symposium to showcase their work.
- Who will review the Stride Research Fund applications?
A STRIDE committee subgroup dedicated to the Research Fund will review all applications and will pair selected applicants with mentors based on their areas of interest.
- Am I required to work with my mentor in-person?
No. We expect the fall 2022 fellowships to be virtual with the option of supplementing the virtual experience with visits to the mentor’s lab.
- If awarded, when will I receive the funds associated with the award?
The funds will be released to you in January 2023, assuming we have received all required documents from you.
- If I receive the award, when will my 8/16 week period begin?
The award period begins in January, 2023. Please refer to the ‘Award timeline’ for the details.
- How are the STRIDE Research Fund applications reviewed?
Every application is reviewed by the experienced researchers from the AOTF’s STRIDE committee. They will be using a scoring rubric looking at various aspects including clarity of expression of a research question that is related to occupational therapy and relevant examples of applicant’s experience and/or coursework.
- If awarded, why do I have to submit receipts of all non-stipend expenditures?
AOTF needs the receipts for audit purposes.