REU Site: Summer Intensive Research Experiences in Neuroscience (SIREN)

The Neuroscience Graduate Department hosts the REU Site: Summer Intensive Research Experiences in Neuroscience (SIREN) program. This 10 week program, provides undergraduate students with a research experience in the areas of behavioral and systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neuorscience, sensory neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.

 

Participant Support:​

  • >$6,000 stipend

  • Housing provided by program

  • Meal allowance

  • Travel allowance for round-trip travel to the program site                                                                                                                                                       

Program Dates: May 26, 2024 - August 3, 2024

Title: 
Application
Accordion Body: 

Click HERE to view the application overview.

You can apply online starting December 1, 2023. Applications are due January 15, 2024 and will include a personal statement, resume or CV, and unofficial transcript(s).

Letters of Recommendation- two letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be from someone at your current institution. One letter must be from someone who knows you academically (can be from your current institution or a previous institution). If one letter writer fits both criteria a second letter is still required. Letters must be uploaded by January 22, 2024.

Title: 
Eligibility
Accordion Body: 

  • In accordance with NSF guidelines, applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.

  • Applicants should have a strong interest in pursuing a research career in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) discipline.

  • Must have successfully completed at least one academic year of  an undergraduate program by the start of the program and not be scheduled to graduate before December 2023.

  • Participants must have health insurance coverage while participating in the program.

  • Participants must be available for the duration of the program from start to finish. Any vacations, summer coursework, or other summer employment would need to take place outside of this time frame.

  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor campus) students are NOT eligible. 

  • Students majoring in biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, psychology, or a related STEM discipline. No minimum GPA requirement.

Applications are strongly encouraged from...

  • Students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups, and/or from institutions with limited research resources.

  • Students from groups that are historically underrepresented in graduate education in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines, including first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

  • Students with limited research experience.

Title: 
Program Details
Accordion Body: 

  • Program information flyer HERE.

  • Students will gain research experience through research projects designed and supervised by faculty and lab mentors.

  • Weekly workshops will help students focus on bridging their aspirations to future research careers.

  • Students will enroll in a highly innovative Applied Improv course, which uses the tools of improv theater to increase confidence and agility when speaking during other weekly mini-presentations.

  • Social events with UM Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty and students. 

  • Journal clubs that will help students focus on expanding their ability to understand primary literature, examine validity, and probe with further questions.

  • End of program symposium for students to present their summer project with a group of faculty, students and lab personnel.​

 

SIREN is supported through a National Science Foundation Division of Biological Sciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates award.