The Carney Summer Scholars program offers world-class, hands-on training to non-Brown University students in computational brain science to undergraduate students who are enrolled at universities across the United States. We focus on computational approaches to understanding brain function because: 1) these are rapidly emerging essential skills for a successful scientific research career; and 2) computational brain science is a priority focus of the Carney Institute.

We provide a nine-week intensive summer research experience in Carney-affiliated laboratories on a computational brain science project. Hallmarks of the program include near-peer mentoring and weekly sessions devoted to professional development, scientific skills, journal clubs and preparation for graduate school. 

“The insight and transparency into the graduate application process was so helpful and made me feel much more confident moving forward. The access to the incredible research community at Brown as an undergraduate is so rare and impressive.” 
– Nancy Collie-Beard, 2022 Carney Summer Scholar

The program is supported by an award from the International Brain Research Organization's US-Canada Regional Committee. Students are recruited through The Leadership Alliance, which provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles underlying the conduct of research and prepares them to pursue competitive applications to Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs. Please note that this program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

Brown University students interested in similar opportunities can apply to the Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards (UTRA) which support Brown students collaborating with Brown faculty on research and teaching projects during the summer or the academic year.

“ The faculty and staff helped me develop and hone the skills essential for a future in scientific research. The relationships I've formed with people at Brown will be invaluable to me in the years to come...”
– Ryan Henry, 2022 Carney Summer Scholar

“This formative experience of working on brain imaging, modeling, and simulation with leading computational neuroscientists has been a critical factor in defining my career objectives for graduate school, as well as refining interests in computational neuroscience for the rest of my career.”
– Mattan Pelah, 2022 Carney Summer Scholar

How to apply

Interested students should apply through The Leadership Alliance. Applications open annually on November 1 and close on February 1. Please select “Brown University” as your institution of choice, and “computational neuroscience” as your keywords of choice.

For questions about The Leadership Alliance program, contact Samantha Andersen, coordinator of undergraduate programs.

For questions about the Carney Summer Scholars program, contact Kristin Webster, Carney’s program coordinator. 

Researchers have varied paths in their professional careers with no two paths looking the same. In this video, panelists talk about how they found their scholarly identity and made their way to the professional positions they hold today. They also discuss how to narrow down your interests and things to consider as you decide what research field to pursue.

Moderator:​

• Dr. Kristin Webster, Assistant Director of Training & Development at the Carney Institute for Brain Science

Panelists:

• Dr. Julian Culver, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Sociology at Brown University
• Dr. Kiara Lee, NIH Fogarty LAUNCH Postdoctoral Fellow
• Ayan Waite, 3rd year Ph.D. student in electrical and computer engineering at Brown University

Learn more about the 2021 scholar cohort

Learn more about the 2023 scholar cohort