Neurodegenerative Undergraduate Research Experience (NURE)

Program Objectives

The innovation of this program centers on involving students in basic science and clinical neuroscience research at the undergraduate level. The objectives of this program are to:

• Provide a means for students interested in biomedical research to participate in a full-time mentored research experience.
• Connect undergraduate students with faculty mentors working on neuroscience-specific basic science questions.
• Stimulate neuroscience and neurodegenerative research at Duquesne University by bringing together experts in the neurobiology, chemistry, drug discovery and clinical fields with excellent undergraduate researchers.
• Explore the physiological, chemical and psychological components of neuroscience disorders, treatments and research.
• Aid in the professional growth of undergraduate students and faculty mentors through interactions with individuals who are currently living with neurodegenerative disorders.
• Provide effective and meaningful discussions and training in ethics related to both the treatment and study of neurodegenerative disorders.

Program Details

Each undergraduate fellow will be paired with a faculty mentor for the summer. This faculty mentor will help guide the student through a summer research topic that will explore a timely and important question in the field of neuroscience. Students will work in the research lab for the majority of their time in the summer. In addition, students will:

1. Participate in a 6-week long ethics mini-course with the rest of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
2. Attend a once per month journal club where they will discuss primary literature with faculty, students and clinicians.
3. Have the opportunity to interact with individuals that are currently living with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. These interactions will help students understand the personal and practical aspects of managing neurodegenerative disease. 
4. Use a "neuroscience empathy kit" developed here at Duquesne that simulates some of the sensations experienced by individuals living with neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Receive a competitive summer stipend (typically >$4,000) and free on-campus housing. Meal plans may also be available depending on funding. 

Contacts

NURE Co-Directors - Dr. Michael Casio and Dr. Rita Mihailescu

PURE Co-Directors - Dr. Kevin Tidgewell and Dr. Benedict Kolber

All undergraduate science major students are eligible to apply for the NURE. You will be asked to list up to three potential research mentors who you are interested in working with on the application. A list of researchers at Duquesne University that are involved in neuroscience research can be found in the tab to the right.  We encourage you to discuss why those researchers interest you in your Statement of Goals.

We particular encourage both internal and external applicants from under-represented groups in science. No prior experience in research is necessary but a specific interest in neuroscience must be clear. See application requirements below or click to apply by February 7, 2020.

Application Requirements:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (preferred): Describe your educational background, extracurricular activities, previous research experience, and publications/presentations (if any). No page limit.
• Statement of Goals : In 2 pages or less (1) describe your interest in scientific research (2) describe your interest in neuroscience or neurodegenerative research and (3) tell us about your future scientific and career goals and how the program will help you achieve those goals.
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Most recent official transcript (transcript must be mailed)

Application to the NURE program does not exclude students from being considered for the main 2020 Summer Undergraduate Research Program or the Pain Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE).

Please identify up to three faculty prior to submitting your application. You are welcome (but not required) to contact faculty prior to submitting your application.

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