The WUSTL PREP post-bacc program to enhance doctoral readiness in neuroscience

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PROJECT SUMMARY This application would create a neuroscience training program in St. Louis (NeuroPREP) for recent undergraduate students. The objective of the grant is to provide rigorous and critical training in neuroscience to a diverse cohort of students taking advantage of the strong interest in neuroscience at Washington University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis University and Harris-Stowe State University. By providing fully- funded support for 2 years of independent research and an introduction to the culture of science, this proposal will establish a pathway to graduate training in Neuroscience. NeuroPREP emphasizes sustained training in oral and written science communication, discovery science and outreach experience. Specifically, this proposal will support 7 early-stage trainees for two years each (3 of whom will be supported with Institutional resources). Washington University has long-standing commitments to cutting-edge research, to interdisciplinary education, and to providing modern career development. We seek to be a Program that responds to changes in the research environment by helping our students to pursue important and innovative problems and concepts, to adopt new techniques and to communicate effectively with their peers and the general public. The potential research environment is organized as a Training Faculty of 54 active scientists who study fundamental questions in basic and clinical neuroscience. The 54 faculty represent 16 different Departments in three different Schools at Washington University (Arts & Sciences, Medicine, Engineering). Each faculty mentor directs a well-funded research program and is deeply committed to provide a positive learning experience and welcoming work environment. The curriculum for education will likewise present a broad and deep introduction to molecular, cellular and systems-level approaches to the study of neural function and dysfunction. It will organize dedicated courses, but also offer optional involvement in existing undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Program will recruit and retain talented, diverse students through innovative and dedicated coordination with the University and partner schools and be evaluated formally by an Executive Advisory Board of Directors. Major new initiatives aimed at accomplishing these goals include: 1) creation of a local network of educators across many Schools to identify candidates and foster the program for the benefit of the region; 2) the introduction of two interactive courses to bolster neuroscience fundamentals and a sense of community among the students (Critical Thinking in Neuroscience & Professional Skills for a Neuroscientist), 3) involvement of the students in the Society for Neuroscience Brain Bee as part of their training in science communication, and 4) refinement of a near peer- mentoring program that has graduate students working with postbaccs and postbaccs working with high school students. These initiatives will promote our students’ education in neuroscience, and in professional skills. It will also provide them explicit guidance in the process of graduate school applications.