NADTA RESEARCH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 2024-2025

 Are you an emerging researcher wishing to publish an article or develop a research project but are unsure where to start? This NADTA research mentorship program may be for you! 

What are the goals of the program:

1. Support the production of research in the field of drama therapy through collaboration between emergent researchers and seasoned researchers.

2. Develop researchers in the field of drama therapy.

3. Generate rigorous study designs and guide studies into publication.

Who is a Mentee: A mentee is a practicing RDT, or someone in the process of becoming a RDT who has already graduated from a drama therapy training institute or program, or already has a master’s degree and is nearing the end of their alternative training program. They are interested in research but do not have the structural knowledge to run a research project alone, or to pursue research publication. The mentee is likely newer to the field and is looking to established RDT’s for guidance. A mentee is able to commit the time and energy into a research project or into the publication process. Although the mentee has no financial responsibility to the mentor, though it is the aim that the mentor is paid for their services through the NADTA and grant funds, they are committed to following set deadlines and accomplishing the tasks set forth in collaboration with their Mentor. The mentee is committed to the project and is willing to sign a contract of their commitment to this effect.The mentee is part of one of three tracks: The publication track, The IRB research track, or The research Track (No IRB) 

Mentees may apply for themselves, or with a team of up to three people (each team member must submit an individual application). Individuals/teams may apply for more than one track, but will only be chosen for one max.

 The Three Tracks:

Track 1: Publication Track: Do you want to publish an article in a peer reviewed journal?

 In the Publication track: Mentors will assist mentees in…

1. Turning a Theory idea into an article

 Or. Turning a finished thesis into an article

 Or.  Turning IRB approved research into an article 

2. Choosing and submitting the article to a journal

3. One round of peer review edits

Timeline: Publication track: 

• October-January the mentee(s) drafts their article with the guidance of the mentor, Mentee(s) and Mentor agree on where to submit the article. 

• February-May: Mentee(s) submit their article for review, mentor guides through peer review process.

Track 2: The IRB Research Track: Do you have access to an IRB and want to engage in a research project?

In the Research with IRB Track: For those with IRB access, mentors will…

• Consult on research design 
• Consult on data analysis 
• Review IRB draft 
• Go through one round of IRB edits 

Timeline: Research Track with IRB

• October-January: Mentee(s) write up research design with guidance from the mentor, mentee(s) draft IRB application with guidance from the mentor.

• Feb-May: Mentee submits their IRB application and mentor guides through one round of edits 

Track 3: The Research Track (No IRB): Do you want to complete a research project that does not require an IRB, such as an autoethnographic study, a scoping review, or a systematic review?

For the Research Track without IRB: For those without IRB access, mentors will

• Consult on research design 

• Consult on data analysis 

Timeline: Research Track without IRB

• October-January: Mentee(s) write up research design with guidance from the mentor

Please Note: The research team of the Research Mentor Program will be conducting research to evaluate the program and understand the experiences of the mentees, by applying to be part of the program, you are also acknowledging that you will be asked to take part in the accompanying research project. 

Research 101: Frequently Asked Questions 

In meeting with students, recent graduates, and professionals interested in research, the NADTA research committee is often asked a number of questions. The committee has put together the following document to answer many of these questions. This document is for those who are curious about drama therapy research and research in general. 

If you have any resources to add to this collection of answers, or if you have a question you’d like answered, reach out to the NADTA Research Chair at [email protected]. No question is too big or too small!

How to Get Involved

The research committee’s hope is that this list will be a growing document to which NADTA members can contribute.        

The NADTA research committee welcomes your suggestions.  If you have feedback or additional references to be included, you are invited to contact the NADTA Research Chair: [email protected]         

Requesting Research Participation from NADTA Members