BP ENDURE Pipeline Program

WUSTL ENDURE

Undergraduate summer research experience in neuroscience

May 28, 2019 - Aug. 3, 2019

The Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) Neuroscience Pipeline program prepares undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD programs. We combine outstanding research training, a rigorous neuroscience curriculum and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond. With support from the NIH Blueprint ENDURE Program and Washington University, accepted students are funded for up to two summers and trips to the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting. Overall, the program embeds students in a network of neuroscientists and enhances the success of trainees towards our goal of increasing diversity in neuroscience.

Program

Each component of the WUSTL ENDURE program is designed to provide trainees a solid foundation for future success. 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 program also includes an online workshop series and support to attend and present at the Society for Neuroscience meeting to sustain and strengthen skills during the academic year. Combined with personalized advising and an empowering community, WUSTL ENDURE 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).

Independent research is the core of the WUSTL ENDURE experience. Summer scholars work full-time in a lab matching their interests. They encounter the thrill of creating new knowledge and contribute to the advancement of neuroscience. The experience culminates with the presentation of a research poster at the university’s Summer Research Symposium and again at the Society for Neuroscience conference.

Once accepted, students work with the Program Director to find a lab that offers both exciting research and a good learning environment. With over 100 WUSTL neuroscience faculty, students can choose from a wide range of research spanning from molecules to cognition to behavior.

Outside the lab, our intensive curriculum focuses on neuroscience knowledge, scientific communication and graduate school preparation. Students gain essential skills for 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.
Research seminars:
Lunchtime seminar series featuring talks from prominent WUSTL scientists.
ENDURE-ing Synapses:
A series of online, academic-year workshops to develop scientific analysis, presentation and networking skills.
Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference:
With 30,000 attendees and 15,000 scientific presentations, SfN is an unprecedented opportunity to network with top neuroscientists and discover the depth and breadth of neuroscience research. Program scholars attend and present at this meeting each Fall.

Science Communication

Science writing:
Fellowship and manuscript writing courses.
Communicating science workshops:
Crafting a research poster and elevator speech.
Summer Research Symposium:
End-of-program poster session where students present their work to the WUSTL 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 to discuss and clarify academic and career goals.

As part of a cohort, WUSTL ENDURE scholars are surrounded and motivated by peers who share their interests and goals. Coupled with committed faculty and staff, the program produces the ideal environment to help students reach those goals.

Participants are also integrated into a larger scholarly community that they can access for years to come. The Program and University sponsor several activities to foster these personal and professional networks:

Team building exercises.
Program dinners.
Outings with graduate student “buddies.”
Panels with current WUSTL PhD and MD/PhD students.
Social events with fellow summer undergraduate researchers.
Shared housing with other undergraduate researchers.

Independent research with outstanding faculty.
Up to two summers of support.
$5000 stipend per summer.
Free travel to and from the program.
University housing provided (single rooms).
Free St. Louis public transportation pass.
GRE (or MCAT) prep course.
Attend up to two scientific conferences annually.
Improve your research and communication skills to gain a competitive edge for graduate admissions.
Individualized advising and mentoring.
Network with all levels of neuroscientists.
Inclusion in scholarly and learning communities supportive of your success.

2018 Cohort

Kia Barclay

Current Institution
Wellesley College (Senior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Ream Al-Hasani

Project Title
Characterizing Withdrawal in Mouse Models of Opioid Use

Sneha Chaturvedi

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Senior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Erik Herzog

Project Title
Males differ from females in circadian glucocorticoid release, but not hypothalamic clock gene expression

Kimberly Hayes

Current Institution
Missouri Baptist University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Celeste Karch

Project Title
Defining the effect of variants of unknown pathogenic significance in APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 on Aβ isoform levels to determine their role in Alzheimer Disease

Sarah Hunter

Current Institution
Emory University (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Jordan McCall

Project Title
Activation of Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamatergic inputs to the Locus Coeruleus in negative affective behaviors

Michael Kanan

Current Institution
Saint Louis University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Erik Musiek

Project Title
The Role of Circadian Disruption in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Denye Mickens

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Sophomore)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Jeanne Nerbonne

Project Title
Intracellular Fibroblast Growth Factors and the Modulation of Cardiac Ionic Currents

Luis Ruiz

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Drs. Wilson Ray and Matthew MacEwan

Project Title
Advancing Prosthetic Technology: Comparing the Sensory Capabilities of Macrosieve Electrodes & Extraneural Cuff Electrodes

Vanessa Serrano

Current Institution
San Diego State University (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Denise Head

Project Title
Working Memory and Processing Speed as Moderators of Age Effects on Allocentric Processing

Samanda Valente Soto

Current Institution
Carnegie Mellon University (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Harrison Gabel

Project Title
Studying the role of Topoisomerase II Beta mutation in neurodevelopment disease.

2017 Cohort

Bruce Ramphal

Current Institution
Brown University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2017, 2018)
Dr. Chad Sylvester

Project Title
Relations Between Socioeconomic Status, Brain Connectivity at Birth, and Psychiatric Symptoms at Age 2

Taylor Reid

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Beau Ances

Project Title (2017)
Assessing the Relationships between Blood Markers and Executive Memory Brain Regions in HIV+ Patients

ENDURE Lab (2018)
Dr. Jonathan Peelle

Project Title (2018)
Meta-analysis of Neuroimaging Literature to Understand Speech Processing

David Tyus

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Colin Nichols

Project Title (2017)
The Effect of KATP Channel Mutations on Inhibitor Sensitivity: Implications for Personalized Treatment of Cantu Syndrome

ENDURE Lab (2018)
Dr. Beth Stevens (Harvard)

Project Title (2018)
Behavioral and Anatomical Effects of Complement Cascade Inhibitor CSMD1: Implications for Schizophrenia Risk

Samani Upadhyay

Current Institution
Brown University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Randall Bateman

Project Title (2017)
Plasma amyloid-beta isoform profile and its implication on early Alzheimer’s diagnosis

ENDURE Lab (2018)
Dr. Carol Mason (Columbia)

Project Title (2018)
Abnormal Excitatory Synaptic Refinement in Fragile X Mouse Models

2017 Cohort

Olivia Gautier

Undergraduate Institution
MIT (2018)

Current Institution
Stanford University (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Karen O’Malley

Project Title
mGluR5 is functional at the cell surface and at intracellular membranes in cortical astrocytes

Marissa Hansen

Undergraduate Institution
University of Texas at Austin (2018)

Current Institution
MIT (Post-Baccalaureate Research Scholar)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Michael Bruchas

Project Title
Investigating Biased Arrestin-3 Recruitment to Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Opioid Receptor (NOPR)

Makenzie Norris

Undergraduate Institution
Purdue University (2018)

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Jordan McCall

Project Title
Potential role for central amygdala dynorphin neurons in affective behaviors

Marco Pipoly

Undergraduate Institution
University of Missouri-St. Louis (2018)

Current Institution
University of Iowa (PhD student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow)

ENDURE Lab (2017)
Dr. Deanna Barch

Project Title
Measures of Impulsivity Predict Medial Orbitofrontal Differences in Healthy Adults

2016 Cohort

Joseph Bradley

Undergraduate Institution
Harris-Stowe State University (2016)

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Research Technician)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Carlos Cruchaga

Project Title
Genomic Loci associated with Differential Expression in AD: A multivariate Regression Analysis of ADNI-2/GO Cohorts

Ya’el Courtney

Current Institution
Kent State University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Todd Braver

Project Title
The Influence of Genetics on Individual Differences in Neural Activation Patterns

María González Aponte

Current Institution
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Joshua Rubin

Project Title
TAp63α overexpression mitigates sexually dimorphic proliferation in mesenchymal Glioblastoma astrocytes

Jake Khoussine

Undergraduate Institution
University of Oklahoma (2017)

Current Institution
University of Wisconsin-Madison (MSTP student)

ENDURE Lab (2016)
Dr. Aaron DiAntonio

Project Title
Identifying novel pathways that dictate synaptic growth

Chelsea Mackey

Undergraduate Institution
University of Missouri (2018)

Current Institution
NIH (IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Erik Musiek

Project Title
A characterization of amyloid pathology and circadian system function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Derrick Ogola

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. John Cirrito

Project Title
Synaptic Dependent Amyloid-β Generation in Vivo in Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

Julia Pai

Undergraduate Institution
New York University (2017)

Current Institution
New York University (Research Technician)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Ilya Monosov

Project Title
Primate ventral pallidum neurons are sensitive to the timing of uncertainty-resolving information

Jordan Peyer

Undergraduate Institution
Vassar College (2018)

Current Institution
NIH (IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Andrew Yoo

Project Title
MicroRNA-based reprogramming of human adult fibroblasts into dopaminergic neurons

2015 Cohort

Jessica Jimenez

Undergraduate Institution
Oberlin College (2017)

Current Institution
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2015)
Dr. Carlos Cruchaga

Project Title (2015)
Role of ABCA7 & TM2D3 Variants in Alzheimer's Disease

Related Publication
J.L. Del-Aguila, M.V. Fernández, J. Jimenez, K. Btlack, S. Ma, Y. Deming, et al., Role of ABCA7 loss-of-function variant in Alzheimer’s disease: a replication study in European–Americans. Alzheimer's Res Ther. 7, 73 (2015).

ENDURE Lab (2016)
Dr. Aaron Bowman (Vanderbilt)

Project Title (2016)
Identifying small molecule-altered cellular manganese regulatory pathways

Neco Johnson

Undergraduate Institution
San Diego State University (2017)

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2015)
Dr. David Balota

Project Title (2015)
Exploring the Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Memory Benefits of Wakeful Rest

ENDURE Lab (2016)
Dr. Desiree White

Project Title (2016)
Developmental Trajectories of Strategic Processing in Children with Phenylketonuria

Related Publication
Z.W. Hawks, M.J. Strube, N.X. Johnson, D.K. Grange, D.A. White, Developmental Trajectories of Executive and Verbal Processes in Children with Phenylketonuria. Dev. Neuropsychol. 43, 207-218 (2018).

Taylor Gordon

Undergraduate Institution
George Mason University (2017)

Current Institution
NIH (IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow)

ENDURE Lab (2015)
Dr. Tim Miller

Project Title (2015)
Dendritic Cell miRNA Expression in the Central Nervous System

Related Publication
M.L. Hoye, A.S. Archambault, T.M. Gordon, L.K. Oetjen, M.D. Cain, R.S. Klein, S.D. Crosby, B.S. Kim, T.M. Miller, G.F. Wu, MicroRNA signature of central nervous system-infiltrating dendritic cells in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Immunology. 155, 112-122 (2018).

ENDURE Lab (2016)
Dr. Martha Bagnall

Project Title (2016)
Lateral Vestibulospinal Neuron Function

Erik Herzog, PhD

WUSTL ENDURE Program Director, Professor of Biology

Diana José-Edwards, PhD

WUSTL ENDURE Program Coordinator

Application

Yes, you may submit unofficial transcript(s). Fall grades must be included in your submitted application.

The most relevant letters are those from faculty who know you well and can attest to your interest and capacity for scientific research, such as research mentors and professors of your science courses.

Those selected to participate will be notified in early-mid March.

We share a common application with the AMGEN and BioMedRap programs run through the Washington University Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. While you apply to one primary program, you can denote within the application to also be considered for the others. Be advised, however, that each program has different requirements and selection committees.

Eligibility

Yes, we will consider applications from exceptional Freshmen who have a demonstrated interest in neuroscience and research.

No, all program participants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

No. Our program is designed for students pursuing neuroscience PhDs or, in some cases, MD/PhDs. Applications from those undergraduates considering careers in clinical medicine (MD only) will not be considered.

No, there are no additional requirements beyond those outlined on the eligibility page. Each application is judged as a whole, and admission is not based on any single component.

Program

The 2019 summer program runs from May 28 (move in) to August 3 (move out).

Accepted students submit a list of 4-10 potential mentors. Participants then discuss their research interests with the Program Director who recommends the most appropriate lab. Students are matched to a lab once they successfully complete an interview with the PI. See our research page for more information about neuroscience labs at WUSTL.

No. The program is rigorous and a significant time commitment. Participants are expected to work full-time (at least 40hrs/week spent in lab and program activities) for the duration of the program. Activities that would prevent you from such a commitment (classes, extended vacations, additional jobs, etc.) are not permitted.

Yes. Shared housing contributes to a learning community that is integral to student success. As such, we ask that all participants live in the on-campus accommodations we provide.

ENDURE students are housed in one of the WUSTL dorms along with students from other summer programs. Students have their own furnished bedroom within a larger suite. Each suite contains a shared bathroom and kitchen.

No. Some meals are provided at program events, but students are largely responsible for covering their own food expenses.

Yes. Summer scholars can use Washington University services, such as the various campus libraries and fitness complexes (gym membership required).

The $5000 stipend is paid in monthly installments on the last business day of May, June and July.

Requirements

The WUSTL ENDURE program is a two-year opportunity consisting of both summer and academic year activities. The experience is maximally effective when students engage fully in all program components. We expect that participants:

Summer

Attend the program for its entire duration.
Live in the provided on-campus housing.
Commit to full-time research (~40hrs/week).
Immerse themselves in the lab: attend and participate in group meetings and other lab activities.
Go to all program events and complete all assignments on time.
Present a research poster at our closing symposium.
Complete all program and course evaluations.

Academic Year

Perform research at your home institution.
Participate in the ENDURE-ing Synapses online workshops (three/semester).
Attend and present at the Society for Neuroscience meeting.

Students are strong candidates for the program if they are:

Interested in research and pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD in a neuroscience-related field.
Enrolled full-time in a baccalaureate degree program.
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).

2019 Online Application

Only complete applications 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
Please supply the e-mail addresses of your recommenders in the application portal. They will receive instructions for uploading their letters at the e-mail address you provide. Let your letter writers know that they will get this e-mail and confirm that they have received the link to the recommendation web form.

Application deadline: February 1, 2019. 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, 2019. 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 28, 2019 - August 3, 2019

Questions? See our FAQs or e-mail endure@wustl.edu.

May 28, 2019 - Aug. 3, 2019

Neuroscience Knowledge

Teen Brain:

Research seminars:

ENDURE-ing Synapses:

Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference:

Science Communication

Science writing:

Communicating science workshops:

Summer Research Symposium:

Graduate School Preparation

Pathways to graduate school:

Test prep courses:

Advising:

2018 Cohort

Kia Barclay

Sneha Chaturvedi

Kimberly Hayes

Sarah Hunter

Michael Kanan

Denye Mickens

Luis Ruiz

Vanessa Serrano

Samanda Valente Soto

2017 Cohort

Bruce Ramphal

Taylor Reid

David Tyus

Samani Upadhyay

2017 Cohort

Olivia Gautier

Marissa Hansen

Makenzie Norris

Marco Pipoly

2016 Cohort

Joseph Bradley

Ya’el Courtney

María González Aponte

Jake Khoussine

Chelsea Mackey

Derrick Ogola

Julia Pai

Jordan Peyer

2015 Cohort

Jessica Jimenez

Neco Johnson

Taylor Gordon

Erik Herzog, PhD

Diana José-Edwards, PhD

Application

Eligibility

Program

Summer

Academic Year

Personal and educational profile questions

Personal statement

Transcripts

Two letters of recommendation