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Apply to IDEAS in Neuroscience at the University of Utah

IDEAS in Neuroscience will recruit four students from diverse backgrounds, with a specific focus on students from Intermountain West institutions that serve Hispanic/Latino and Native American communities, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Application Requirements

  • A passion for neuroscience; prior lab experience not required
  • BA or BS in a STEM field, awarded by June 2024 from an institution with limited/no access to research programs
  • Interest in pursuing a research based Neuroscience PhD
  • Letters of recommendation and application package
  • US Citizenship or Permanent Residency status
2 students talking in HSEB

IDEAS in Neuroscience Info Session Recording

IDEAS in Neuroscience Info Session

On Tuesday, February 13, Dr. Karen Wilcox hosted an IDEAS in Neuroscience Info Session via Zoom. She was joined by Dr. Ryan O'Connell, co-director of the program, as well as current students Yesica Landaverde Rodriguez, Jason Ortega, and Jordan Muehlberger, and program admin Katie Blakesley. Please email ideas-neuroscience@pharm.utah.edu if you have any questions about the program or application.

Application Checklist

There are 2 Application Components--a simple online application form, and the standard application package including transcripts, letters, etc. Applications are only considered complete when both are filled out/submitted.

Application and letters should be emailed directly to ideas-neuroscience@pharm.utah.edu. Letters of recommendation can be addressed to the IDEAS Admissions Committee.

There is no application fee.

  1. Fill out the online Application Form
  2. Two letters of recommendation emailed to ideas-neuroscience@pharm.utah.edu. Each letter should be emailed directly from the recommender and state the APPLICANT’S name in the subject line.
  3. A single .pdf file containing all of the following items in one document, emailed to the address above:
    1. Cover Letter
    2. CV/Resume
    3. Personal Statement (500 words max) Explain your background and how your interests in STEM developed.
    4. Statement of relevant coursework or past research experience (500 words max) Describe key courses you’ve taken or research experiences you’ve had and explain how they have prepared you for research work.
    5. Statement of Career Goals and Research Interests (250 words max) Explain your long-term career goals and where you see your research heading in the future.
    6. Unofficial College Transcripts

Important Application Dates

Skaggs Research Building

Applications are Open

March 30, 2024: Application Deadline 

TBD: Notification of Awards

Week of July 8, 2023: 2 Year Program Begins