Do I have to have a Research Mentor lined up in order to apply to the program?
No, most IRACDA applicants do not have a Research Mentor lined up previous to applying to IRACDA. However, you must choose a Research Member in order to participate in our program. Dr. Brunton will work with you to find mentors whose research corresponds to your interests, or you may correspond directly with researchers at UCSD and SDSU in the biomedical areas.

Is it better for me to already have a mentor lined up before applying or interviewing with the Directors?
Not necessarily, but having a Research Mentor already in place will expedite the processing of your application since you will not have the added responsibility of interviewing with Research Mentors while interviewing for the Program.

Do I need to prepare a seminar if called for an interview with the IRACDA program?
No. You only need to prepare a seminar if requested to do so by your prospective Research Mentor.

What is the IRACDA salary?
IRACDA fellows are paid according to an NIH scale, starting at $36,500 annually with prescribed increases.

What is the best way to handle travel expenses?
Each IRACDA fellow will be allotted funding yearly for attending one or two conferences. You may apply for reimbursement of expenses through Dr. Brunton’s office. Expenditures should be approved in advance.

How do we purchase items with our institutional allotment?
Upon acceptance to IRACDA, fellows are allowed up to $2,500 to purchase a laptop computer. The Directors will provide an index number to purchase the computer at the UCSD bookstore; see Dr. Brunton to make other arrangements.

What is the deadline to spend the institutional allotment?
August 15th of the each calendar year is the deadline for ordering equipment and supplies with your institutional allotment. Any unspent money will not carry forward to the next year and ultimately will be lost.

Who can I contact to find out how much money I have left in my account?
Contact Dr. Brunton’s assistant.

How often does the entire program meet?
The entire group of fellows and administrators come together for lunch once a month to discuss successes, problems or concerns, and upcoming events, and quarterly for research presentations. Each IRACDA fellow will meet semi-annually separately with the directors to discuss their research progress. Fellows will also meet with the Directors to discuss preparing lectures, address any problems or concerns, and discuss upcoming conferences and events.

How many conferences can I attend?
Fellows are encouraged to attend and to present at one major scientific meeting annually. Fellows are also expected to attend the annual IRACDA conference.