Behavioral Research Advancements in Neuroscience (BRAIN)

If you are interested and ready for a great summer neuroscience research experience, consider applying for BRAIN 2010. We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic, hard working, detail oriented, and who want to engage in cutting edge neuroscience research. Some accepted Fellows will be working at the molecular or cellular level in laboratories, others will be working with small animals and some may be collecting data and doing research at outdoor field sites. Projects may include day or evening work. Be a part of an exciting summer research experience!

If you are accepted into the BRAIN program, you will be randomly placed into one of two program formats (and notified on acceptance about your program format). One format called "LeftBRAIN" is a similar to a professional program for practicing scientists offered at Woods Hole, Cold Spring Harbor, or Friday Harbor, in which BRAIN Fellows work in a single lab facility with a rotating team of outstanding instructors to develop skills using various research techniques such as behavior analysis, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and/or molecular biology. The other format called "RightBRAIN" is an individual lab format, in which Fellows work with individual Mentors to join ongoing research projects using techniques available in the Mentors’ labs. Both program formats conclude with a poster presentation describing a research mini-grant proposal you prepared (LeftBRAIN) or the research project you joined (RightBRAIN) at a BRAIN Research Symposium.

Behavioral Research Advancements in Neuroscience is the hallmark program of the undergraduate education arm of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN), a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center. The program consists of a 10-week summer research and education experience. BRAIN grows naturally from the scientific and education missions of CBN's member institutions, which are committed to increasing student interest in behavioral neuroscience and, ultimately, in the pursuit of research and other science careers (e.g. science policy, science education, and science journalism).

Important Dates for Program Applicants

• Feb. 1, 2010: Online application closed
• Feb. 8, 2010: Postmark deadline for additional program application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.)
• March 8, 2010: Begin notification of program acceptance, wait-list or decline
• April 12, 2010: RightBRAIN Fellows begin mentor-matching process
• May 26, 2010: BRAIN 2010 Program begins

Important Notice: If you are accepted into the program, then the selection committee will place you into one of two program formats: LeftBRAIN or RightBRAIN. You will be notified of your placement when you receive your acceptance letter.

Program Formats:

• The LeftBRAIN format is similar to a professional program for practicing scientists offered at Woods Hole, Cold Spring Harbor, or Friday Harbor, in which BRAIN Fellows work in a single lab facility with a rotating team of outstanding instructors to develop skills using various research techniques such as behavior analysis, histology, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and molecular biology.
• The RightBRAIN format is a traditional lab rotation format, in which Fellows work with individual Mentors to join ongoing research projects using techniques available in the Mentors' labs.

Program Benefits

• An intensive, first-class research experience in the biomedical or behavioral sciences
• Mentoring from eminent scientists at Georgia State University, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College
• Weekly seminars on special topics to prepare students for success in research programs
• The skills necessary for the successful pursuit of a doctorate degree
• The BRAIN program provides students with a $3,000 stipend and housing on Emory University's campus. Students are, however, responsible for the majority of meals, gas (if they rent or drive a car while in Atlanta), and their travel costs to and from Atlanta.

Eligibility Criteria

• Enrollment as a full-time student at a two- or four-year college or university.
• Previous BRAIN participants are ineligible to apply.
• B/C grade point average in science coursework; overall GPA of 2.7 or higher. (Exceptions to the GPA requirements may be made for those students who have had previous research experience and/or a strong sense of future goals).
• Students may not be enrolled in any summer courses or hold a job during the duration of the BRAIN program.
• Must be able to attend the entire BRAIN Summer Program

Application Requirements

• BRAIN Online Application Form
• An official copy of your most current undergraduate transcript.
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a science instructor or advisor). *Note: Letters of recommendation should be printed on institutional letterhead, placed in an envelope and signed across the seal by the recommender. However, they can be mailed by either the student or the recommender.
• Mail all printed materials to: Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, c/o Veronica Williamson, PO Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30302-5030.
• If you are nearby, you may drop off materials to our street Address: 805 General Classroom Building, Georgia State University, 38 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303.

BRAIN Scholar Housing

• http://www.emory.edu/HOUSING/CLAIRMONT/cc.html

Contact Us:

(the best way to reach us is via email)

For general BRAIN Program questions:

Liz Weaver, MS

eweaver1@gsu.edu or 404.413.5469; email is strongly recommended

Kyle Frantz, Ph.D.

kfrantz@gsu.edu

For technical questions concerning the BRAIN application:

Rob Poh

rpoh@gsu.edu

BRAIN 2009 in the News:

Brain Explorers: The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience Helps the Next Generation of Scientists Investigate the Brain

Download the BRAIN Brochure

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