Undergraduate Opportunities

Undergraduate students have multiple study opportunities, and no matter what program you pick, you’re picking a winner. Whether it’s the NEURON-Aging Program or SNIP, you will gain valuable academic training and real-world experience to serve you well in your future. Learn more about each offering, then choose the path that suits you best. The Networking and Expanding Undergraduate Research On the Neurobiology of Aging Program was created with the help of an NIH grant to provide students at different education levels with a research mentor, a personalized career mentorship committee, resources that will facilitate hands-on laboratory research, as well as seminars and workshops related to brain aging and ADRDs.

The Summer Neuroscience Internship Program (SNIP) aims to support undergraduate students who seek to pursue doctoral (Ph.D.) training in neuroscience and prepare for rewarding careers in biomedical research, education and industry. SNIP interns join an active neuroscience research lab at UF, one of the largest and most productive research universities in the U.S., while also receiving personalized mentoring, guidance on graduate school admissions, professional development and career planning.

What opportunities will be available as part of the NEURON-Aging Program?

• Up to two years of paid support for mentored research training in the laboratory of a Principal Investigator (PI).
• A personalized career mentorship committee consisting of the PI research mentor, NEURON-Aging faculty, and a near-peer graduate student mentor through graduation.
• Formal seminars and meetings with leaders in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research to enhance networking.
• Support to attend 1-2 local conferences and one national conference per year to present research findings, network, and explore career opportunities.

What type of applicant is accepted to the program?

• Strong applicants are first- or second-year undergraduate students who wish to pursue a career in neurosciences after completing their undergraduate degree.

What type of work will I be doing in the laboratory?

• The work varies depending on the type of lab and the expectations of the PI. Many of our current students read scientific literature, work with data, learn lab techniques, assist with experiments, and more.

Applications are due October 27. What is the timeline after that?

• The application committee will invite finalists to interview in November.
• Placement decisions will be made by the end of fall semester, and accepted students will be notified. 
• Students accepted into the program will begin working in the lab during the second week of the spring semester.

It says that participants will be paid for doing research. How much is the pay?

• Students are paid $13 an hour for time spent working in the lab.

How many hours a week will I be expected to commit to the program if accepted?

• Accepted students will work with their PIs to set a schedule, but participants are expected to spend 10-15 hours per week on program-related activities.

SNIP interns also:

Attend a weekly Neuromedicine Seminar Series highlighting research conducted by postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty across the full spectrum of neuroscience research at UF.

• Participate in a weekly Professional Development Workshop designed to prepare students for successful training experiences in graduate school. Relevant topics include applying to graduate school, scientific writing, public speaking and professional networking.
• Present an oral research presentation at the conclusion of the program during the SNIP Celebration of Research Day.

In addition, informal socials and activities are organized throughout the summer to encourage networking among SNIP interns and with other summer research students on campus. Students are also encouraged to participate in neuroscience-related outreach activities.