About the Program

Scholars selected for the BPNP-ENDURE Program will:

• Engage in cutting-edge research, with individual mentoring from neuroscientists
• Develop skill in scientific communication (oral and written) and present their research at local and international research conferences
• Foster teamwork and leadership skills, such as effective communication, time management, professionalism, team building, among others
• Increase their competitiveness for graduate study, including understanding of expectations as graduate student and the application and admissions process
• Receive mentoring to help them prepare competitive application materials for Ph.D. programs
• Learn about Ph.D. programs and career opportunities in neuroscience

Selected ​​sophomore and junior undergraduate students in the Bridge to Ph.D. in Neuroscience Program (BPNP) will come to MSU for a 10-week summer research program, during which they will engage in state-of-the art neuroscience research, develop scientific and professionalism skills and participate in extracurricular and team building activities. Students culminate the summer by presenting their research at a local symposium and “graduate” at the program’s one of a kind Lab Coat Ceremony. Students also receive support to attend and present their work at the annual Society for Neuroscience conference, the premier venue for neuroscience.

Students who completed a first summer research experience may apply to the program again and if selected may return to MSU for a second summer of research.

Students who have completed two summers of research are eligible to complete the fall semester of their senior undergraduate year at MSU. During the fall semester, the selected students take 9 credits of undergraduate courses in the neuroscience area, further develop the research project they began during the prior summer, and receive one-on-one mentoring to develop competitive applications for graduate school.

The BPNP provides room and board, travel expenses, stipend ($4,500) and health insurance during the summer program. Students completing the fall semester at MSU receive these benefits as well as tuition for their fall courses.

This program builds on successful partnerships between neuroscience researchers at MSU and the NINDS-Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences (ENDURE)

Program Options

• Summer Program
• Fall Semester in Residence at MSU

Benefits

The BPNP provides you the training, comprehensive research experience and mentoring support that will make you a competitive candidate for admission to a Ph.D. program in Neuroscience or Behavioral Sciences.  You will also receive individualized mentorship from faculty, postdocs and graduate students, as well as BPNP alumni who have successfully transitioned into graduate programs and can provide advice to help you do the same! In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with local, national and international neuroscientists via participating in MSU research events and The Society for Neuroscience annual conference. Students in the BPNP-ENDURE Program also partake in extra-curricular activities and develop lasting friendships and connections.

More specifically, the program will enable you to:

• Improve your oral and writing communication skills
• Work on your independent career development plan
• Learn about your areas of strengths and growth
• Acquire or expand your lab research skills
• Work on a specific research project under the mentorship of dedicated and supportive mentors
• Interact with current graduate students who will share their experience with you (peer-to-peer mentoring)
• Learn about different areas of research within the neurosciences
• Attend and present your research at local and national conferences
• Submit competitive graduate school applications under the guidance of assigned mentors

FAQs

• What can you do with a PhD in Neuroscience?

  The Neuroscience Program at Michigan State University maintains a web page with several resources about career options for PhDs in Neuroscience. We summarize some of them but we encourage you to take a more in-depth look at the possibilities that are available here. Besides the traditional academic career paths, Neuroscientists can and have put their research and problem-solving skills to work in pharmaceutical companies, science journalism, grants administration, consulting, law, and policy-making in government.

  More resources:
  

  • Jobs for Neuroscientists
  • How to become a Neuroscientist
• I have never been away from my family and I do not know anybody in MSU.
  Most students that come to MSU go through the same experience, from those who live in other cities in Michigan to students coming from the Far East in Asia. It is part of growing up as a person, making decisions on your own and becoming an adult. You will have the advantage of coming as part of a program designed to take care of you and many students feel that the people from the lab and this program become their second family.
• Will I be able to fulfill the expectations of the people in this program and other faculty?
  The idea is for you to learn new things. But you will be able to do it, it will require some effort, but it is worth it.
• I have not taken any courses on Neuroscience.
  If a basic course in Neuroscience is being given at my home institution, it would be good to take it prior to coming here, but it is not mandatory.  During the semester that you will spend here, you will learn about this and so much more.
• I come from a small university, where we have a direct relationship with our professors. Will that change given that MSU is a big school?
  The contact between students and faculty will persist.  Your professors and teaching assistants are there to help you with whatever it is you need.
• Will the money be enough?
  The money will be enough for you to eat and to cover basic student living expenses. Housing and travel expenses are covered.
• I've sent in all my required materials, how long until I find out if I've been admitted?
  Usually within one month.