The University of Vermont

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
  SUMMER NEUROSCIENCE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

 

Exciting opportunity to join state-of-the-art laboratories and discover the world of neuroscience research. The program runs from May 24 through July 30, 2010 and offers a stipend of $3,500. Participate in investigations of how the nervous system develops, functions and repairs itself after injury. Get hands-on training in molecular, cellular, anatomical, physiological approaches. Gain valuable experience before you enter graduate or medical school.

 


The Program

As a fellow, you will:

  • Join a lab (listed below) for ten weeks to work on a research project.
  • Attend a series of lectures providing an overview of modern neuroscience and the research conducted at UVM.
  • Meet regularly as a group to discuss your projects and relevant scientific articles.
  • Present your work in a small and informal symposium during the last week of the program and write a short summary paper of your studies.
  • Enjoy group outings to hike, swim, boat, and explore the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.

Why come to UVM for your summer research experience in Neuroscience?

Neuroscience research has long been a strength at the University of Vermont. In addition, our faculty members are as committed to being mentors as they are to practicing outstanding science. We work together with the faculty to match you to a lab based on your research interests. However, rather than simply scattering you to labs, we also organize group activities in order to encourage you and your fellow summer research students to get to know each other. You will gain confidence in research skills, scientific thinking, and neuroscience concepts. You will enrich the diversity that we embrace and the community that we culture as you grow personally and professionally in curiosity and independence. You will learn about careers in Neuroscience and the impact you can have on people’s lives. The proximity of this intimate, interactive campus to outdoor activities and beautiful surroundings supports a well-rounded lifestyle. Participants often make lasting friendships and connections that persist as they pursue their education and career.

To Apply

Students must currently be enrolled at any US college or university. Housing is provided but travel and board are the responsibility of the student.

To apply, e-mail to Daniel Mills at Daniel.Mills@uvm.edu:

  • a completed application (download PDF or MSWord doc)
  • your resume/CV

Please note that the application will request that you list two references (names and contact information). References do not need to send letters at this time. We will contact them if need be.

Underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: February 16, 2010.

Selection of applicants will be completed by March 15, 2010.

If you have any questions about the summer fellowship program, please contact the Director, Felix Eckenstein, PhD (Felix.Eckenstein@uvm.edu).


Representative Participating Laboratories

Cell Physiology

Joseph Brayden, PhD Ion channels that regulate constriction of cerebral arteries

Wolfgang Dostmann, PhD cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and its role in disease

Mark Nelson, PhD Calcium mediated signaling in the cerebral vasculature and CNS

George Wellman, PhD Mechanism of cerebral vasospasm associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Development

Deborah Damon, PhD - Development of vascular innervation

Cynthia Forehand, PhD - Neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the spinal cord

Alan Howe, PhD - Spatial regulation of protein kinase A signaling during growth cone guidance

Diane Jaworski, PhD - Role of extracellular matrix in brain development and injury-induced plasticity

Miguel Martin-Caraballo, PhD - Role of cell-cell interaction in the regulation of ion channel expression in sensory and motor neurons

Victor May, PhD - Regulation of neuronal peptide and transmitter biosynthesis and secretion

Rae Nishi, PhD - Nicotinic signaling and neuronal development; formation of neuroblastoma

Matthew Rand, PhD - Mercury and developmental neurotoxicity

Umadevi Wesley, PhD - Role of cell surface proteases in regulating the formation of tumors in the peripheral nervous system

Injury, Plasticity and Disease

Marilyn Cipolla, PhD - Effect of stroke on cerebral circulation; vascular changes associated with pregnancy

Felix Eckenstein, PhD - Molecular mechanisms of nerve regeneration after injury

Helene Langevin, MD - Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the efficacy of acupuncture

Yang Mao-Draayer, MD, PhD - Multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated CNS diseases

Gary Mawe, PhD - Neural regulation of gastrointestinal function

Rodney Parsons, PhD - Synaptic physiology and pharmacology of cardiac ganglia

Jeffrey Spees, PhD - Adult stem cells in repair of the brain after stroke

Margaret Vizzard, PhD - Neural control of the upper and lower urinary tract

 

For other potential laboratories, please see the Neuroscience Graduate Program list.


A program sponsored by the Neuroscience Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), and the Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Neurology and Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Last modified February 05 2010 05:22 PM

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