CNUP: Center for Neuroscience

2013 CNUP Summer Undergraduate

Research Program

Each summer, the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP) sponsors a 10-week program in which selected undergraduate students conduct research investigating diverse aspects of nervous system function under the guidance of individual CNUP training faculty. The 2013 CNUP Summer Undergraduate Research Program will begin on Tuesday, May 28.

Program Goals:

  1. To give qualified students the opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of intensive, hypothesis-driven laboratory research in neuroscience.
  2. To teach the technical features of a research project. These may include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular biology, brain imaging, computer simulations, neuropsychology or behavioral assessments.
  3. Students who envision their future in clinical medicine typically will not be competitive for this fellowship, unless that vision also includes an important potential role for laboratory-based neuroscience research.

Eligibility:

  1. Completion of sophomore or junior year of undergraduate training.
  2. GPA of 3.0 ("B") or higher, especially in science, math, and related coursework.
  3. All applicants must be undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time at a U.S. college or university, or who are citizens of the U.S. or her protectorates, including residents of Puerto Rico.
  4. International applicants will be required to provide official authorization for Optional Practical Training (OPT) from their home institution, prior to their arrival in Pittsburgh. 

Funding:

  1. A $3,500 stipend will be paid as follows: $500 check will be provided at program orientation. The remaining $3,000 will be paid in two equal payments on June 28 and July 31, 2013.
  2. Fellows will receive housing at no cost in a double-occupancy, on-campus dormitory.
  3. A monthly pass will be provided to ride Port Authority public transportation buses in June and July.
  4. Fellows will be responsible for their own meals and other expenses, including travel to and from Pittsburgh.

To apply:                   

  1. Download the application form.
  2. View research interests of CNUP training faculty participating in the 2013 Summer Program.
  3. Choose the top 3 faculty members with whom you would like to work, plus 2 others if appropriate. Whenever possible, student/mentor pairings are determined from this list.

Program Policies:

  1. The 2013 program will begin with orientation on May 28 and end with final presentations on August 2. All fellows must be available to begin and end their participation on these dates. 
  2. Fellows are expected to work in the laboratory full-time throughout the 10-week program. Vacation days will not be permitted unless pre-approved by the faculty mentor and other awards and funding must be relinquished.

Pertinent Dates and Deadlines:

  1. 2013 program dates:  Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, August 2
  2. Application postmark deadline: Wednesday, February 13, 2013
  3. Application receipt deadline:  Friday, February 15, 2013
  4. Notification of acceptance:  Monday, March 18, 2013


Stephen D. Meriney, PhD
Department of Neuroscience
E-mail: meriney@pitt.edu
412-624-8283

Anthony E. Kline, PhD

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

E-mail:  klinae@upmc.edu

412-383-2806