WUSTL ENDURE Program

WUSTL ENDURE

undergraduate research experience in neuroscience

May 30, 2021 - August 6, 2021

The Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) ENDURE summer research program prepares undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for neuroscience PhD programs. We combine outstanding research training, a rigorous curriculum and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond. With support from the NIH Blueprint ENDURE initiative 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.

Contact Us:

Erik Herzog,PhD, WUSTL Endure Co-Director
Diana José-Edwards, PhD, WUSTL Endure Co-Director
John Greene, WUSTL ENDURE Program Assistant
endure@wustl.edu

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. Students also participate in an online workshop series and 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 holistic training budding neuroscientists will use for years to come.

Cortical astrocyte image 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 Dr. Herzog 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 areas from molecules to cognition to behavior.

Outside the lab, our intensive curriculum focuses on neuroscience knowledge, scientific communication and graduate school preparation. Students gain skills essential to entering and succeeding 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:
Talks about neuroscience and different paths to becoming a neuroscientist.
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 scientific 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.
Advising:
Personalized, one-on-one mentoring to discuss academic and career goals and creation of an individual development plan.

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.
$6500 (pre-tax) stipend per summer.
Free travel to and from the program.
University housing provided (single rooms).
Free St. Louis public transportation pass.
Attend up to two scientific conferences annually.
Eligibility for academic year research stipend ($1200 per semester for up to two academic years).
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.

2020 Cohort

Uchechukwu Agali

Current Institution
Harris-Stowe State University (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Cynthia Rogers

Project Title
Racial disparities in ADHD symptoms and hippocampal volumes in preterm children at age 5

Devin Burris

Current Institution
University of Central Florida (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Harrison Gabel

Project Title
Topographical map of DNMT3A clinical mutations: An in silico analysis of mutations related to neurodevelopment disorders

Alexandra Martinez Lopez

Current Institution
Wellesley College (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Gregory Wu

Project Title
Utilizing single cell RNA sequencing to characterize B cells during neuroinflammation

Megan Maxwell

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Senior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Deanna Barch

Project Title
Evidence that neighborhood threat and brain volume mediate the relationship between neighborhood poverty and children’s psychopathology

Ephraim Oyetunji

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Sophomore)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Timothy Miller

Project Title
Investigating TREM2’s role in Tau accumulation using antisense oligonucleotides in a mouse tauopathy model

Asia Parson

Current Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (Junior)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Brian Carpenter

Project Title
Representation of older adults in introduction to psychology textbook indices

Blanca Perez

Current Institution
Brown University (Sophomore)

ENDURE Lab
Dr. Erik Herzog

Project Title
Differing estrogen levels drive a sex-dependent difference in Per2 rhythmicity in the PVN

2019 Cohort

Olumide Fagboyegun

Current Institution
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. John Cirrito

Project Title
Principal component extraction eliminates oxidative peak drift in micro-immunoelectrode measurements of ISF amyloid-β

Maria Rivera-Santana

Current Institution
University of Puerto Rico (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2019)
Dr. Tamara Hershey

Project Title
Atrophy across thalamic nuclei in Wolfram Syndrome

Ro Sandoval

Current Institution
Saint Louis University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. Jose Morón-Concepcion

Project Title
Assessing the role of dorsal hippocampal circuits in the formation and retrieval of opioid-induced contextual memory and reinforcement

Sierra Williams-McLeod

Current Institution
Hampton University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2019)
Dr. Gilbert Gallardo

Project Title
Investigating the role of α-Na/K ATPase in the neurotoxic response of LPS in a neuron-astrocyte co-culture system

ENDURE Lab (2020)
Dr. Joseph Ippolito

Project Title
Optimization of computed tomography-based fat quantification to predict sex-specific outcomes in patients with kidney cancer and GBM

Hunter Yamada

Current Institution
Brown University (Senior)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. Mayssa Mokalled

Project Title
Exploring cell populations following spinal cord injury

2019 Cohort

Maya Bluitt

Undergraduate Institution
University of Kansas (2020)

Current Institution
UNC - Chapel Hill (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. Lex Kravitz

Project Title
Investigating effort after weight loss in mice

Yesenia Garcia

Undergraduate Institution
Vassar College (2020)

Current Institution
Emory University (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. Robert Gereau

Project Title
Evaluating the neurobiological consequences of cannabinoid administration on oxycodone withdrawal in mice

Julia Gorman

Undergraduate Institution
Seattle University (2020)

Current Institution
University of California, San Diego (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2019)
Dr. Barani Raman

Project Title
Decoding primary olfaction circuits in Drosophila melanogaster with Flywalk behavioral assay

ENDURE Lab (2020)
Dr. Brian Fischer (Seattle U.)

Project Title (2020)
Auditory nerve stimulus encoding in the barn owl

Scott Lee

Undergraduate Institution
Saint Louis University (2020)

Current Institution
Jackson Laboratories (Post-baccalureate scholar)

ENDURE Lab (2019, 2020)
Dr. Joseph Dougherty

Project Title
Mosaic knockout of the QKI RNA-binding protein in cortical astrocytes

2018 Cohort

Kia Barclay

Undergraduate Institution
Wellesley College (2019)

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

ENDURE Lab (2018, 2019)
Dr. Ream Al-Hasani

Project Title
Determining the neurochemical profile of endogenous opioids during withdrawal

Sneha Chaturvedi

Undergraduate Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (2019)

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

ENDURE Lab (2018, 2019)
Dr. Erik Herzog

Project Title
Sex differences in circadian rhythmicity arise outside the hypothalamus

Michael Kanan

Undergraduate Institution
Saint Louis University (2019)

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

ENDURE Lab (2018, 2019)
Dr. Erik Musiek

Project Title
Circadian clock disruption influences alpha synuclein spreading and dopaminergic neuron loss in vivo

Luis Ruiz

Undergraduate Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (2020)

Current Institution
University of Michigan (Post-baccalureate scholar)

ENDURE Lab (2018, 2019)
Dr. Matthew MacEwan

Project Title
Behaviorally characterizing sensory percepts elicited by macrosieve stimulation in a rat sciatic model

Vanessa Serrano

Undergraduate Institution
San Diego State University (2020)

Current Institution
San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego (PhD student)

ENDURE Lab (2018)
Dr. Denise Head

Project Title
Working memory and processing speed as moderators of age effects on allocentric processing

ENDURE Lab (2019)
Dr. David Moore (UCSD)

Project Title (2019)
The Relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment among older adults living with HIV

Samanda Valente

Undergraduate Institution
Carnegie Mellon University (2020)

Current Institution
University of Washington (Research Scientist)

ENDURE Lab (2018, 2019)
Dr. Harrison Gabel

Project Title
Functional effects of Topoisomerase IIB mutation in neurodevelopmental disease

2017 Cohort

Bruce Ramphal

Undergraduate Institution
Brown University (2019)

Current Institution
Columbia University (Research Assistant)

ENDURE Lab (2017, 2018)
Dr. Chad Sylvester

Project Title
Relations between socioeconomic status, brain connectivity at birth, and psychiatric symptoms at Age 2

Related Publication
B Ramphal, DJ Whalen, JK Kehley, Q Yu, CD Snyser, CE Rogers, CM Sylvester, Brain connectivity and socioeconomic status at birth and externalizing symptoms at age 2 years, Dev Cogn Neurosci. 45, 100811 (2020).

David Tyus

Undergraduate Institution
Washington University in St. Louis (2019)

Current Institution
University of Virginia (PhD Student)

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

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

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 (PhD student)

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

Undergraduate Institution
Kent State University (2016)

Current Institution
Harvard University (PhD Student)

ENDURE Lab (2016, 2017)
Dr. Todd Braver

Project Title
The Influence of genetics on individual differences in neural activation patterns

Related Publication
JA Etzel, Y Courtney, CE Carey, MZ Gehred, A Agrawal, TS Brauer, Pattern Similarity Analyses of FrontoParietal Task Coding: Individual Variation and Genetic Influences, Cereb Cortex. 30(5), 3167-3183 (2020).

María González

Undergraduate Institution
University of Puerto Rico (2019)

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

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
University of Washington (PhD student)

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

Julia Pai

Undergraduate Institution
New York University (2017)

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

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
UNC-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).

Erik Herzog, PhD

WUSTL ENDURE Co-Director

Victor Hamburger Distinguished Professor

Diana José-Edwards, PhD

WUSTL ENDURE Co-Director

Interim Director, STEM Diversity Initiatives

John Greene

WUSTL ENDURE Program Assistant

Application

Yes, you may submit unofficial transcript(s). Fall 2020 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.

Accepted students will be notified in early-mid March.

Eligibility

We will consider applications from freshmen, sophomores, juniors or non-graduating seniors enrolled in a four-year college or university.

No, all program participants must be US citizens or permanent residents as required by our funders.

Our program is designed for students pursuing neuroscience PhDs or, in some cases, MD/PhDs. Applications from those undergraduates seeking careers in clinical medicine (MD only) will not be considered.

No, previous research experience is not required; however, you are expected to show strong interest in performing neuroscience research in your application.

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 2021 summer program runs from May 30 to August 6.

Given the dynamic public health situation, plans for the summer 2021 program are subject to change. While we hope to bring students safely to campus, we may move to a remote or partially remote experience should events necessitate that transition.

Accepted students submit a list of 4-10 potential mentors. Participants then discuss their research interests with Dr. Herzog 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.

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. The dorms have kitchens, so many students cook.

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

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

Academic Year

Perform research (stipend available for eligible participants).
Participate in the ENDURE-ing Synapses online workshops (three each 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).

2021 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 your career goals.
Transcripts
for each post-secondary institution you have attended. Official and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Documents must include Fall 2020 grades.
Two letters of recommendation
Supply contact information for your recommenders in the online application. They will be e-mailed instructions for uploading their letters. It is your responsibility to ensure they received this message. You can monitor the status of your letters via the application portal.

Application deadline: February 7, 2021
Applications can be submitted before recommendations are in, but applications are not complete until the letters are received.

Acceptance notifications: early-mid March, 2021
Students will be selected for their demonstrated interest in neuroscience, enthusiasm for graduate study in a neuroscience-related field and their academic performance to date.

Program Dates: May 30, 2021 - August 6, 2021

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

May 30, 2021 - August 6, 2021

Contact Us:

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:

Advising:

2020 Cohort

Uchechukwu Agali

Devin Burris

Alexandra Martinez Lopez

Megan Maxwell

Ephraim Oyetunji

Asia Parson

Blanca Perez

2019 Cohort

Olumide Fagboyegun

Maria Rivera-Santana

Ro Sandoval

Sierra Williams-McLeod

Hunter Yamada

2019 Cohort

Maya Bluitt

Yesenia Garcia

Julia Gorman

Scott Lee

2018 Cohort

Kia Barclay

Sneha Chaturvedi

Michael Kanan

Luis Ruiz

Vanessa Serrano

Samanda Valente

2017 Cohort

Bruce Ramphal

David Tyus

Olivia Gautier

Makenzie Norris

Marco Pipoly

2016 Cohort

Joseph Bradley

Ya’el Courtney

María González

Jake Khoussine

Chelsea Mackey

Julia Pai

Jordan Peyer

2015 Cohort

Jessica Jimenez

Neco Johnson

Erik Herzog, PhD

Diana José-Edwards, PhD

John Greene

Application

Eligibility

Program

Summer

Academic Year

Personal and educational profile questions

Personal statement

Transcripts

Two letters of recommendation