NeuroSURF at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute
Opportunity Description:
The NeuroSURF program is a 10-week summer program that gives students the opportunity to participate in hands-on, hypothesis-driven research in an area of translational neurobiology at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. This program encompasses a full-time, 40-hour weekly schedule and supports neuroSURF students with a competitive stipend. Housing will also be provided to students who need it.
In addition to hands-on research projects, FBRI NeuroSURF students will participate in:
- Weekly translational neurobiology research seminars by Virginia Tech Faculty
- Courses on preparing for a future career in science
- Mentoring on science communication and presentation skills
- Two Annual Summer Research Symposiums; one at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and one at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Peer mentoring from Virginia Tech graduate students
Areas of research for NeuroSURF students will include:
- Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Neurobiology
- Glial Cell Biology and Cancer
- Behavioral, Cognitive, and Computational Neurobiology
Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for the neuroSURF program, an applicant:
- Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior who attends a university or college in the United States
- Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Must possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Must have completed an introductory course in biology, chemistry, physics, or psychology
- Must be able to devote yourself to full-time research for the duration of the 10-week neuroSURF program
- Previous coursework in neurobiology and previous independent research experience are not required
- Applicants who express commitment to careers in science will be preferred, and students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
Application Process:
The application for the NeuroSURF undergraduate program is available here. All application materials are due by February 1.
Please note, a completed application package includes the following:
- General information about the applicant
- Three short essays describing:
- Your participation experience in independent research
- Why you are interested in translational neurobiology
- What you hope to gain from participating in the neuroSURF program and how it might contribute to your career
- An up-to-date unofficial transcript and GPA (16MB maximum file upload)
- A recommendation letter / faculty letter of support from a faculty member at your current institution, or a previous faculty mentor (16MB maximum file upload). The recommendation letter can either be uploaded to the application or emailed directly to Dr. Alexandria Pilot at neurosurf@vtc.vt.edu.