Program

Each component of the Neuroscience Pipeline program is designed to enhance the success and persistence of trainees towards the goal of increasing the number of neuroscientists from diverse backgrounds. This begins with hypothesis-driven research in a world-class Washington University lab where students gain research skills and a taste of life as a graduate student. A summer curriculum focused on professional development hones critical thinking and communication abilities. The Pipeline also includes an online class for credit and support to attend and present at the Society for Neuroscience meeting to sustain and strengthen skills during the academic year. In conjunction with personalized advising and an empowering community, the Pipeline offers outstanding, holistic training budding neuroscientists will use for years to come.

Image of cortical astrocytes by Olivia Gautier, 2017 Cohort (Lab: Karen O’Malley).

Academic & Professional Development

Outside of the lab, our intensive curriculum focuses on neuroscience knowledge, scientific communication and graduate school preparation. Students gain the skills necessary to have a competitive edge to enter and succeed in PhD or MD/PhD programs.

Neuroscience Knowledge

• Teen Brain

     A week-long introduction to key neuroscience concepts and topics, including the neurobiology of the adolescent brain. Students will (1) learn about the molecules, cells, and systems of the brain (2) design, execute, analyze and interpret a neuro-related experiment and (3) have fun.

• Research seminars

     Lunchtime seminar series featuring talks from prominent Washington University scientists.

• Journal club

     Learn more about diverse areas of neuroscience and how to read and critique articles.

• Neuroscience Futures

     In this WashU course, participants learn more about the field by attending, analyzing and critiquing neuroscience seminars. This one-credit pass/fail class meets for two hours on select Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters. Non-local students participate via videoconference.

• Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference

     With 15,000 scientific presentations and 30,000 attendees, SfN is an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the depth and breadth of neuroscience research, network with top neuroscientists, and more. Program scholars travel to this meeting each fall.

Science Communication

• Science writing courses

      During the first summer, students receive instruction on writing a mock fellowship proposal based on their research. Participants build upon that experience in the second summer when they work on writing a manuscript for their project.

• Communicating science workshops

      Sessions on creating a research poster and crafting an elevator speech.

• Summer Research Symposium

      Poster session at the end of the program where students share their summer research with the Washington University community, family and friends.

Graduate School Preparation

• Pathways to graduate school

      Sessions on the admissions process, feedback on personal statements and mock interviews.

• Test prep courses

      Access to strategies and practice tests for the GRE (or MCAT).

• Advising

      Personalized one-on-one mentoring with the Program Director to discuss and clarify academic and career goals.

Current Students

Staff

FAQs

Application

Are unofficial transcripts accepted? Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters? When do I find out if I have been accepted? How can I apply to multiple WashU summer programs at once?

Eligibility

Are Freshmen eligible? Can I still apply if I am graduating this spring? I want to go to medical school. May I still apply? Are there minimum academic requirements I must meet to apply?

Program

When does the summer program take place? How are lab placements made? Can I take classes while in the program? I am local to St. Louis. Do I need to live in the dorms? What is the housing like? Is a meal plan provided? Will I have access to campus facilities? How will I be paid?

Eligibility

Students are strong candidates for the Pipeline if they are:

• Interested in research and pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD in a neuroscience-related field.
• Enrolled full-time as an undergraduate.
• A US citizen or permanent resident.
• From an underrepresented group (e.g. racial and ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, individuals from low income households and first-generation college students).
• Not supported during the summer by other federally funded initiatives (e.g. MARC).

Apply

2018 Online Application

Only complete application packages will be reviewed, which must include:

• Personal and educational profile questions

    within the online application.

• Personal statement

    outlining your research experience (if applicable), what makes you an outstanding candidate for the program and how participation will assist in achieving your career goals.

• Transcripts

    for each post-secondary institution you have attended. Uploaded documents should contain a transcript key. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Two letters of recommendation

    submitted by your letter writers. In the application portal, you’ll supply the names and e-mail addresses of your recommenders. They will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to upload their letters. Please inform your letter writers that they will get this e-mail and confirm that he/she has received the link to the recommendation web form.

Application deadline: February 1. Please note that you can submit your application before your recommendation letters are in; however, your application is not considered complete until these letters are received.

Acceptance notifications: early-mid March. Students will be selected for their demonstrated interest in neuroscience, dedication to go to graduate school in a neuroscience-related field and their academic performance to date.

Program Dates: May 29 - August 4

Questions? See our FAQs or email us at

endure@wustl.edu