The BrainSTORM Program introduces high school students to the study of the brain through both clinical and research perspectives, including fields such as neurology, neuropsychology, and neuroscience. It is composed of two parts: a monthly seminar open to all students, and an application-based research mentorship program.
Each month from September through May, the program hosts an online monthly seminar on a topic related to the brain (for example, Alzheimer’s Disease, Epilepsy, sports-related concussion, and designing a cognitive experiment). Lectures are given by experts across a range of disciplines (e.g., neuropsychology, neurology, neuropathology, neuroimaging), and students are encouraged to participate in active discussion throughout the session.
Each academic year, the program will match up to 25 students with a mentor to conduct a guided research project determined by the student and their mentor. Mentorships can be virtual or hybrid (in-person and virtual). Whether it be for a school-based science research or internship program, or just the desire to gain experience, we encourage students who will be in grades 9-12 next year to apply for consideration. Projects culminate in a year-end, final research symposium during which students participate in a poster session to present their research.
Location(s)
- Columbia University, New York City, NY
Schedule
- Start Date: July
- Program Ends: June
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- High school students, located anywhere in the United States, who will be in grades 9-12 next year, are encouraged to apply
- Accepted students will not be eligible to submit projects to science competitions (i.e. WESEF, REGENERON) in the first few months of the program
Deadline
- January 1
Application or Entry Requirements
- Online application
- Personal Statement (250-300 words maximum)
- Resume/CV
- Mentor preference
- Short questions
Notifications of Decisions
- Notification of selection: March 1
- All final paperwork submitted: April 15
- Notification of selection: March 1
- All final paperwork submitted: April 15
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Columbia University, located in New York City, is a major private Ivy League research university and one of the most selective in the world. Founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England, it is the oldest higher learning institution in New York, the fifth oldest in the U.S., and counts Alexander Hamilton among its first students. It is also home to the third-largest private research library in the U.S. Columbia is made up of twenty schools, with four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools. Its undergraduate schools are Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Barnard College, and the School of General Studies. Among its graduate schools, the Business School, Law School, College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, and Journalism School are some of the highest ranked of their kind in the country. The University administers the prestigious Pulitzer Prize literary and music awards presented annually.
