Summer Neuroscience and Technology
Research Experience for Undergraduates


Retinal cell

Funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.

Program begins June 2nd and ends July 25th, 2008.

Complete applications are due February 29th, 2008.
Applicants will be notified of status March 10th, 2008.

The Computational Neuroscience and Technology Research Laboratory's REU program provides a challenging summer experience conducting computational neuroscience and technology research at the University of Idaho (UI). Students will choose from a diverse menu of research topics including cell patterns in regenerated retinas, neurogenesis and cell survival in zebrafish, tools for simulation of artificial neuron circuits, programming and testing of adaptation algorithms, discovery of new artificial neural network topologies via evolutionary computing, computer analysis of models of neurons and glial cells, psycho-physical vision studies, effects of diet and exercise on memory, and applications of neuroscience to sports science. Students will be fully integrated into their mentor's research groups. Students will develop collegial relationships as an REU group by participating in scholarly and recreational activities, such as bi-weekly REU research forums, lunches with professional and academic role models, evening dinner seminars, workshops and weekend field trips led by faculty mentors.


Hill model--a mechanical representation of the contractile elements within muscles, REU 2004

This program is for students with demonstrated potential for success in graduate school, but also for students with under-realized potential. Upcoming sophomores, juniors and seniors will be considered from the disciplines of biological science, electrical/ computer engineering, computer science, and mathematics and other related fields that serve as preparatory education for neuroscience.

REU students will be provided with: 1) a stipend of approximately $3,200.00 for eight weeks of full-time research; 2) a per diem meal stipend for $15 per day; 3) on-campus residence housing; 4) up to a $400 reimbursement for travel expenses to and from the University of Idaho; 5) and access to all UI recreational facilities and student services. Participants will receive three internship credits that should easily transfer to their home institutions.


Teleost fish demonstrating retinal degeneration and regeneration, REU 2004

Participants in this REU program will gain first-hand insights into scientific procedures while earning a competitive edge in entering and successfully completing graduate research and education programs. Faculty involved in this project have proven records as successful undergraduate research mentors, and each will add his or her own unique dimension to the students' experience at UI.

REU applications are available in PDF form.

For more information contact Dr. Richard Wells (rwells@mrc.uidaho.edu), Director of the Laboratory for Computational Neuroscience and Technology Research, The MRC Institute, University of Idaho, PO Box 441023, Moscow, ID 83844-1024, (208) 885-4353.