MINDS Program

The UW Medicine MINDS Program (Mentorship and Inspiration in Translational Neuroscience for StuDentS) provides “Bench to Bedside” exposure to students seeking summer lab placements to explore basic and clinical neurosciences. The goal is to spark enthusiasm for research and medicine, encouraging students to pursue academic careers in these fields. The program is designed to broaden participants’ knowledge in biomedical research, including translational, clinical, and basic science, and to inspire future careers in research, medicine, or allied fields, particularly in neurosciences.

Participation includes:

  • $3500 stipend
  • Eight-week lab placement in one of our neuroscience research labs
  • Weekly Neurological Surgery Grand Rounds lectures
  • Weekly Clinical Neuroscience Course lectures
  • Weekly Neurology clinical conferences
  • Neuroscience Career Bootcamp
  • Neurological surgery OR observations (up to 2)
  • Neurology/Neurological Surgery clinical observations (up to 2)
  • Neuropathology observation
  • Experiential Field Trips (up to 2)
  • Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Research Capstone presentation

MINDS Eligibility Information

Eligibility is focused on current 2nd year (sophomores) and 3rd year (juniors) in undergraduate education. Those that will be rising 3rd year (juniors) and 4th year (seniors) during the program period.  We have chosen to focus on this critical window because this is when undergraduates are most actively exploring, refining, and solidifying their career goals. Focusing on these classes we have found allows the program to engage students at the optimal time – that is, when they have sufficient academic exposure to make informed choices and still have flexibility to shape their career paths.

A complete list of edibility criteria is as follows:

  • 18 years of age or older by the first day of the program (due to minimum age requirements in our healthcare facilities).
  • Authorized to work in the US. Visa holders are not eligible.
  • 2nd year (sophomore) or 3rd year (junior) undergraduate student at the time of application submission.
  • Minimum of a 3.2 GPA in STEM courses as well as minimum 3.2 overall GPA.
  • Immunizations and Tuberculosis (TB) test results current through the program end date given the work in healthcare settings as required by our hospitals.
  • Available to work at least 40 hours every week for the duration of the entire 8-week program.
  • Demonstrate or state an interest in pursuing a career in clinical neurosciences, neuroscience research, or a closely related health or public health profession.

Note: A limited number of program-sponsored double-occupancy housing slots are available to applicants originating from outside of the area. Transportation to/from Seattle, meals, and local transportation while participating in the program are the responsibility of the applicant.