Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience

Supporting minority student inclusion

Preparing minority students for careers in neuroscience 

If you’re seeking a career in neuroscience, you can choose from a wide variety of career paths. These include biomedical research and teaching, pharmaceuticals, clinical sciences, biotechnology, neuropsychology and much more.

To help minority students prepare for graduate training in neuroscience, we’ve started a mentored research program in neuroscience-based laboratories.

The program is called WINURE, which stands for “Workforce Inclusion in Neuroscience through Undergraduate Research Experience.” If accepted into the program, you’ll attend weekly workshops and seminars to develop your understanding of neuroscience. You’ll also have opportunities to attend scientific conferences.

About the WINURE program

We are working to build diversity in the neuroscience workforce by fostering the career development of students like you who are interested in this field and who are from underrepresented groups. Our goal is to help you successfully transition into graduate programs in neuroscience upon your graduation from ASU.

According to the National Science Foundation, only about 8 percent of science and engineering doctorate degrees and 14.5 percent of master’s degrees were earned by underrepresented minorities in 2014. We hope to change that.

We are seeking motivated students from ASU’s large populations of groups underrepresented in the neurosciences, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American students as well as first-generation college students. 

Who is eligible to apply?

You must: 

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident with legal verification of your status.
  • Be a full-time student at ASU from a racial or ethnic minority (Black, Hispanic, Native American) and/or first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university).
  • Have a high school GPA of 3.0+ or a minimum of 20 college credit hours with a GPA of 3.0+. We may consider a lower GPA if you have strong letters of recommendation.
  • Have declared a major in a STEM field and have a strong desire to pursue a research career in neuroscience.

Note: Pre-med students pursuing a clinical practice career should not apply. STEM fields include biology, biochemistry, engineering, math, psychology, speech and hearing sciences. 

Why should you apply?

Research experience as an undergraduate provides a great stepping stone to graduate training in neuroscience. As a WINURE scholar, you’ll gain important laboratory skills, strengthen your neuroscience knowledge, prepare for graduate school and network with other neuroscience researchers.

To get started, you’ll choose a mentor whose neuroscience research fits with your interests. You’ll receive payment to conduct research in your mentor’s laboratory during the school year and over the summer. You’ll also receive yearly financial support for travel to scientific conferences where you can present your research and network with other researchers, including potential graduate school mentors

How and when to apply

Submit the following application materials to the program coordinator, Kwadjo Walker.

  • A one-page personal statement describing your eligibility and why you are applying to the program.
  • Three letters of recommendation: Your letters may be emailed directly to the program director, Janet Neisewander, in care of Kwadjo Walker.
  • A copy of your transcripts.
When is the application deadline?
  • April 1 - Applications accepted
  • April 10 - Priority deadline
  • April 20 - Final deadline
  • Aug. 1 - Applications accepted
  • Aug. 10 - Priority deadline
  • Sept. 20 - Final deadline

We consider applications in two waves. The first opens April 1 and ends April 20. The second wave of admittance opens Aug. 1 and applications will considered until all openings are filled or until our closing date of Sept. 20.

Neuroscience Mentors

We work to match students with a mentor who is a good fit for them. It is possible to have a mentor who is not listed above.

This project is funded by an NINDS R25 grant from the National Institutes of Health. PI Janet Neisewander 

Contacts: