What is SNIP?
The University of Florida (UF) Summer Neuroscience Internship Program (SNIP) aims to support undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds 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.
SNIP is a full time 10-week paid research internship hosted by the UF Department of Neuroscience, and UF’s Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute (MBI). We accept applications from undergraduate students outside of UF, studying at U.S.-based institutions who are not already accepted into postgraduate programs. Our interns have represented colleges and universities from all regions of the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. All SNIP students are provided a $5.000.- stipend and, additionally, non-UF students receive housing for the summer.
Interested students, especially women and groups that remain disproportionately underrepresented in the sciences, are encouraged to apply. The application portal opens October 25th, 2023. Though previous research experience is not required, applicants should show strong evidence of coursework in a relevant discipline (for example: psychology, biology, engineering, chemistry, pharmacology, genetics). Preference is given towards students who are interested in pursuing neuroscience research in graduate school. For consideration, students need to have completed their sophomore year and applications (including letters of recommendation) must be received before February 1st, 2024.
International Students: International students that are currently enrolled and studying at a U.S.-based institution are eligible. International students must have a current, valid U.S. student visa to be admitted into the program.
UF Undergraduate students: Current UF undergraduates will be provided a $5,000 stipend for the summer. If already involved in research on campus, students can request to continue their project in their current lab provided it is associated with the Department of Neuroscience/MBI.
SNIP is Directed by Dr. Karina Alvina. You may contact our program by sending an email to SNIP@neuroscience.ufl.edu.
What is the SNIP experience?
All SNIP interns receive mentoring by an experienced UF neuroscientist and participate in a research project in their mentor’s lab. SNIP interns are expected to conduct themselves as true members of their assigned lab, carrying out experiments and other lab duties during regular business hours and as required by specific projects.
SNIP interns attend a weekly Neuromedicine Seminar Series that highlights research conducted by Postdoctoral Fellows and junior faculty from labs that span the full spectrum of Neuroscience research being conducted at UF.
SNIP interns also attend 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.
At the conclusion of the program, all SNIP interns prepare an oral presentation where they showcase their projects and participate in the SNIP Celebration of Research Day.
Throughout the summer, there are also informal socials and activities organized to promote interactions among SNIP interns and with other summer research students on campus. Students are also encouraged to participate in Neuroscience related outreach activities.
Learn more about UF's
Neuroscience Research
