Carnegie Mellon University

Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Computational Neuroscience

Undergraduates interested in receiving research training in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply to an NIH-sponsored summer program at the Neuroscience Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. The environment at Carnegie Mellon University has much to offer to students interested in computational approaches. We benefit from a partnership with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, a joint interdisciplinary program of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Starting on May 27, 2024 and continuing through August 3, 2024, a select group of talented undergraduates will embark on a 10-week residential program that provides intensive, mentored research experiences in computational and theoretical neuroscience. Admitted students will receive a stipend of $4500, travel to/from Pittsburgh, PA,  and university dormitory housing.

The core of the program is the opportunity to carry out an individual mentored research project working closely with a faculty mentor. Other aspects of the scientific program include: faculty research talks, student presentations and discussion of articles from the scientific literature, presentations on career options and scientific ethics, and a concluding symposium in which students present their research.

This program is intended for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. Any undergraduate may apply, but we are especially interested in attracting students with strong quantitative backgrounds. Many of our trainees are from colleges and universities that do not have extensive research programs, but all must be United States citizens or permanent residents, must be enrolled at a 4-year accredited institution, and must be in their sophomore or junior year at the time of application.  We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and we encourage applications from women, under-represented minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

The application for the Summer 2024 program is now available.

Application Receipt Deadline: February 15, 2024.

In addition to the online application, please email the following items to upnc-summer@andrew.cmu.edu:

  • A brief (one page) essay about your interest and experience in neural computation
  • Resume/CV
  • Official transcript from the institution you are attending
  • Two letters of reference from someone who knows you well professionally or academically (for example, a professor, teacher or your employer). NOTE: You should contact your recommenders and ask them to email letters directly to upnc-summer@andrew.cmu.edu.