Bridge to the PhD in Neuroscience

摘要 更新密歇根州立大学（MSU）的五年计划，通过以下方式增强神经科学的多样性： 本科研究经验（ENDURE）的建议。它基于长期、有效的关系 密歇根州立大学和波多黎各（5）、北方新墨西哥州学院、圣玛丽大学（圣 Antonio，TX）和北卡罗来纳州Central，罗利）。每一个都是少数民族服务机构（MSI）， 在校园里有重要的研究机会。波多黎各的校园服务于远离 包括圣胡安大都会区，以及卡伊、阿雷西博和乌马考的波多黎各大学校园 作为私立机构（Ana G.在过去的四年里， 13名ENDURE学生进入或被接受（2020年）进入博士学位。计划;另外6个仍在 面试过程。我们使用3步2年计划实现这一结果。1)学生介绍 神经科学，在为期一天的研讨会题为“什么是神经科学？”每年举行一次关于合作的会议， 校园。介绍神经生物学的概念，并与简单的实践实验相结合，说明 可检验的假设和羊脑解剖2)10名学生在密集的夏季度过10周 研究计划，在实验室的校外资助的神经科学家的假设为导向的项目。这是 在为期两天的“训练营”之前，介绍了实验室研究、研究完整性和仪器的基础知识 方法论3)对于七名有特殊希望进入研究生院的学生，一个为期16周的秋季学期经验 在密歇根州立大学的课程是在他们的第三和第五年之间提供的。它包括神经科学的课程，对神经系统的进一步研究， 具有可检验假设的项目和专业发展。提供三种课程。部分介绍 神经科学基础，一个侧重于药物成瘾的药理学，第三个是神经系统类型 课程强调翻译和跨学科的方法来理解人类神经系统的病因学 和精神疾病。这门课程需要大量的写作练习，以及一个完整的期刊俱乐部。 沟通技巧的提高发生在夏季和秋季;他们包括非正式和更多 正式的设置。包括（研究报告，课堂参与，期刊俱乐部参与和论文 写作）。来自夏季和秋季学期的学生将参加 神经科学学会积极参加与年会有关的ENDURE会议。学生 课程工作和研究的进展将受到密切监测和外部评价。一个外部咨询 一个由合作机构和URM教师组成的委员会将提供投入和指导 有关计划的方向和结果，并协助候选人的选择。出色的安置记录 学生进入高度选择性的研究生课程发生在上一个奖项期间。我们计划以此为基础 下一个奖项的势头。

ABSTRACT Renewal of a five year program at Michigan State University (MSU) to Enhance Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Experience (ENDURE) is proposed. It is based on long-term, effective relationships between MSU, and campuses in Puerto Rico (5), Northern New Mexico College, St. Mary’s University (San Antonio, TX), and North Carolina Central, Raleigh). Each of these is a minority serving institution (MSI), and none have significant research opportunities on campus. The Puerto Rican campuses serve populations distant from the San Juan Metro area, and include University of Puerto Rico campuses in Cayey, Arecibo and Humacao as well as private institutions (Universidad Ana G. Mendez and Pontifical Catholic University).During the last four years, 13 ENDURE students entered or were accepted (2020) into Ph.D. programs; an additional 6 are still in the interview process. We achieve this result using a 3 step two yr program. 1) Students are introduced to neuroscience, in a day-long workshop entitled, “What is Neuroscience?”and held annually on the partnering campuses. Concepts of neurobiology are introduced, and integrated with simple hands-on experiments illustrating testable hypotheses, and sheep brain dissection. 2) Ten students spend 10 weeks in an intensive summer research program, working in labs of extramurally funded neuroscientists on hypothesis-directed projects. This is preceded by a 2-day “bootcamp” introducing fundamentals of lab research, research integrity and instrument methodology. 3) For seven students with special promise for graduate school, a 16 wk Fall Semester experience at MSU is offered between their 3rd and 5th yrs. It includes coursework in neuroscience, further research on a project with testable hypothesis, and professional development. Three courses are given. One introduces fundamentals of neuroscience, one focuses on pharmacology of drug addiction, and the 3rd is a seminar-type course stressing translational and inter-disciplinary approaches to understanding the etiology of human neurologic and psychiatric disease. This course entails significant practice in writing, and an integral journal club. Improvement of communication skills occurs both in summer and fall; they include both informal and more formalized settings. included (research presentations, participation in class, journal club participation and paper writing). Students from both the summer, and Fall Semester components will attend the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience participating actively in the ENDURE Meeting affiliated with the Annual Meeting. Student progress in both course work and research will be closely monitored and externally evaluated. An external advisory committee comprising faculty from the collaborating institutions and URM faculty will provide input and guidance regarding program direction and outcome and assist in candidate selection. An outstanding record of placement of students into highly selective graduate programs occurred during the last award period. We plan to build on that momentum in the next award.