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Mechanisms of Behavior

A Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Behavioral Neuroscience at Duke University



Please note (April 10, 2012)

We received over 420 applications for 10 positions in our summer “Mechanisms of Behavior” program at Duke University. All of the applicants being offered admission or on the wait list have be contacted as of 4/9/12. The selection committee would like to thank all of the applicants for their interest in our program and their patience with the review process. We hope that you have an enjoyable and productive summer.

Best wishes,

-Warren Meck.



The Mechanisms of Behavior (MOB) program is a 10-week summer research internship that allows undergraduates from small colleges and universities around the country to conduct supervised independent research in the field of behavioral neuroscience at Duke University. The program is directed by Dr. Warren Meck and co-sponsored by the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and the National Science Foundation with a “Research Experiences for Undergraduates” grant.

Eligibility

Awards are given to qualified college students from around the country who are interested in behavioral neuroscience and are considering a career in basic scientific research. All applicants who will still be undergraduates at the commencement of the 2012 session of this program are eligible to apply; however, strong preference will be given to rising juniors (i.e., current sophomores). Awards may also be made to exceptionally qualified rising sophomores (i.e., current freshman) and rising seniors (i.e., current juniors) who have had either no or very little previous research experience. Members of minority groups that are under-represented in scientific professions are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Program description

The focus of the 10-week summer program is a research mentorship with a participating faculty member at Duke University studying animal learning & behavior or systems and integrative neuroscience. For a list of participating research mentors, click [here] (/education/undergraduate-neuroscience/academics/undergrad-research/mechanisms-of-behavior/participating-research-mentors). Students also participate in a two-day Orientation Conference at the outset of the program, and meet several times each week thereafter for seminars by participating faculty, as well as for tutorials and workshops covering topics such as experimental design and analysis, science writing and oral presentation, science ethics, career paths in neuroscience, and applying to graduate school. At the conclusion of the program, students report on their work at an Undergraduate Research Conference held jointly with other summer research programs.

Dates

The program will run from May 28 until August 3, 2012. Note that participants are required to move into the provided housing the weekend prior to the beginning of the program (on the afternoon of May 27th). Participants are also required to remain for the duration of the program. Participants should plan to move out of the housing on the morning of August 4th (or the evening of August 3rd).

Support

Students receive a stipend of $4,500 for the 10-week program. Students are also provided with on-campus housing at no cost and given a food allowance. Students are expected to cover their own travel expenses. (Stipends may be subject to tax withholding.)

Application Procedures

Applications should include the following:

  1. A completed application form: download and complete either this PDF version Mechanisms of Behavior Application or this Microsoft Word (97-2003 compatible) version Mechanisms of Behavior Application (MS Word).

  2. A current official transcript of your college record.

  3. A 1-2 page personal statement addressing how your participation in the Mechanisms of Behavior Program will fit into your academic and career interests (space to provide this personal statement is included in the application form).

  4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from college faculty members or other individuals who can comment on your potential for success in a laboratory setting.

For more information, contact the Mechanisms of Behavior Program Director, Dr. Warren Meck (phone (919) 660-5765 or e-mail Warren Meck), or the program’s administrative assistant, Amanda Archambeau (phone (919) 660-5725 or e-mail Amanda Archambeau).

Application materials, including recommendation letters, should be sent to Amanda Archambeau preferably by e-mail attachment or by mail or Fax:

 Mechanisms of Behavior Program
 c/o Amanda Archambeau
 Genome Sciences Research Building II
 572 Research Drive – Box 91050
 Duke University
 Durham, NC 27708

 Fax: (919) 660-5798
 E-mail: aa133@duke.edu

Completed applications must be received by Friday, March 9, 2012. Notification of awards will be made on or about April 9, 2012.