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IDEAS in Neuroscience

Intermountain Doctoral Education to Advance Students (IDEAS) in Neuroscience Program

a light, airy atrium space in Skaggs Research Building Hall with tables, chairs and University of Utah Flags Hanging

Recruiting Pause

2/6/25: We are pausing the application process due to uncertainty over funding for the 2025-2026 year. If you would like to be notified if we start accepting applications again, please fill out your information at the button below. 

About IDEAS in Neuroscience

Intermountain Doctoral Education to Advance Students (IDEAS) in Neuroscience is a 1 year, NINDS-NIH funded post baccalaureate program at the University of Utah.  This is a paid training program ($35,000 a year stipend + health insurance + tuition) for recent college graduates who are interested in applying to PhD programs in the neurosciences.

This 1 year post baccalaureate program will include mentored laboratory research, graduate level courses, professional development, and a holistic mentored experience. This program is meant to support science education and research training of students who are interested in applying for PhD programs in neuroscience. Students will also attend scientific conferences and have opportunities to present their research. An essential part of the IDEAS curricula is extensive mentoring, providing career-long scientific and personal support. All programming is contingent on continued NINDS-NIH funding. 

Key activities include:

  • Graduate Coursework
  • Community Building
  • Independent Laboratory Research
  • Professional Development, including public speaking, science communication, and professional skills
  • Graduate Program Application Prep

Apply to IDEAS in Neuroscience at the University of Utah

Who Can Apply?

IDEAS in Neuroscience will recruit four recent college graduates with bachelors degrees in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and other related science fields.

Important Application Dates

Applications are currently open.

Applications Due: March 30, 2025

Program Begins: June 1, 2025

 

2 students sitting in a lobby outside of classrooms

program directors

ideas in neuroscience
headshot of karen wilcox, professor and chair in pharmacology and toxicology

Karen Wilcox, PhD

Professor and Chair, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Karen Wilcox Research

Dr. Wilcox also participates as a faculty mentor in the program

headshot of ryan o'connell, pathology department against a white background

Ryan O'Connell, PhD

Associate Chief, Division of Microbiology and Immunology

Ryan O'Connell Research

Dr. O'Connell also participates as a faculty mentor in the program