The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University offers a Ph.D. concentration in Translational Genetics of Communication Abilities. We would like to make BGA members and all interested individuals aware of this new and unique opportunity. Here is a brief description of the program:

The translational genetics of communication abilities concentration within the PhD program in speech and hearing science provides doctoral students with training in an innovative approach to the clinical sciences, pioneered here at ASU, where the concepts of precision medicine are applied to all disciplines within communication sciences and disorders. Training in molecular genetics and bioinformatics will equip students to investigate the interactions among genetic, brain-based and behavioral traits.

Knowledge of genotype-phenotype associations provides the foundation for the translational components of this program: early identification and intervention, individualized management and interprofessional approaches. This program leverages not only ASU’s strong research and clinical expertise across clinical linguistics but also its expertise in the biosciences and translational clinical sciences. Upon completion of this doctoral concentration, graduates will have the skills to discover and understand networks of genotype-phenotype associations and to contribute to more effective clinical management of communication disorders using preventative, targeted and interprofessional methods. Prior training in genetics is not required.