The ARO Scholar will have the opportunity to present the results of their current research as a poster at the ARO MidWinter Meeting. During the program the Scholar and their mentor are encouraged to have regular meetings. The Scholar is required to attend the ARO MidWinter Meeting, however, should the applicant have a conflict, the program will evaluate on a case-by-case basis:

• February 22-26, 2025 – Orlando, Florida
• Scholar is required to attend the Awards Ceremony
• Scholar is required to actively engage in the MWM by attending sessions
• Scholar is required to provide feedback via the post MWM evaluation survey
• Scholar is required to provide feedback on the ARO Scholars program and their experience as an awardee  via follow up surveys

The Scholar is also encouraged to present a poster at the 2025 meeting.

Each Award will include: 

• Opportunity to present a poster at the meeting
• Invitation to attend the 2025 ARO MidWinter Meeting
• An ARO member mentor and a Career Mentor should the Scholar not have one or either in place
• Roundtrip coach air fare up to $500 to attend the ARO MidWinter Meeting
• Up to five (5) nights lodging in the meeting hotel
• Paid MidWinter Meeting registration fee
• Up to $100 for ground transportation to and from the meeting hotel for arrival to and departure from the meeting location
• Up to $50 per day for 5 days for meals and miscellaneous expenses

Anyone who identifies as being from a group that is under-represented in science is encouraged to apply. These groups include (but are not limited to) those who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Sexual and Gender Minorities, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Members of these groups or other groups that are under-represented in science are encouraged to apply. The applicant must be attending (or planning to attend) an accredited school or university has and must have an interest in the fields of Otolaryngology, Audiology, Hearing Science, or Auditory Neuroscience. The applicant must demonstrate a desire and commitment to research, with one or more designated mentors who may or may not be located at their home institution. The applicant must have the Principal Investigator attest to supporting the Scholars participation in this program. At least one mentor must be an ARO member. Should an applicant not know an ARO member, the ARO Executive Office will assist in finding them an appropriate mentor.

 Please read carefully before submitting.

Application Requirements:

All applications must be completed online. Individuals should have the below documents prepared to upload when completing the online application:

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• A curriculum vitae
• A written statement (500 words or less) summarizing the applicants professional goals, description of current/previous research or interest in research and any applicable experience, what the applicant hopes to gain from attending the 2025 ARO MWM, and a short justification describing why the applicant should be one of four chosen Scholars.
• A brief statement describing how you identify as a historically underrepresented group in STEM.
• One letter of current and continued support from an ARO member who is willing to serve as a mentor. If the applicant and mentor are not located at the same institution or in the same city, the applicant should describe his/her plan for maintaining close communication with the mentor. Should an applicant not know an ARO member, the applicant may submit a letter of current and continued support from their current mentor, and the ARO Executive Office will assist in finding them an appropriate ARO member to serve as a mentor.

Only applications submitted online via the application will be accepted. All materials must be uploaded together to be considered for the program and must be received by November 1, 2024. Questions about the award may be directed to Kristin Johnson in the ARO Executive Office. She may be reached at headquarters@aro.org. The Diversity & Minority Affairs Committee will select awardees after scoring all the applications in the month November. Awardees will be notified in December. The Award must be used the year of selection.

Once selected, the Scholar will receive communication from the ARO Executive Office with instructions on how to submit their poster if they have not already done so as well as details on award disbursement.