Research: The MINDS program will provide a full stipend of $35,000 to awardees in Year 1. MINDS will also provide at least six calendar months of stipend funding in Year 2. Faculty mentors must commit to paying fringe benefits in all years, and the remaining six calendar months of stipend in Year 2. In addition, scholars will be awarded a $1500 discretionary fund per year that may be used for travel, computer or moving expenses.
The expectation is that MIND scholars will spend the vast majority of their time conducting primary research in a neuroscience laboratory at the University of Minnesota. In coordination with their faculty mentor, scholars must conduct “independent” research projects. Note, this project may be a part of a larger research project being done in the lab. Moreover, we expect that the individual will receive supervision and guidance from other individuals in the laboratory in addition to the PI. Scholars are expected to present a poster at the annual Neuroscience Post-Baccalaureate Poster Session. Scholars are also highly encouraged to present a poster at an extramural event.
Career Development: MIND scholars are expected to attend neuroscience colloquiums and seminars. They are also expected to attend Neuroscience Department wide Post-Bac Program events. Career development programming will be provided to MIND scholars including one-on-one assistance in a) crafting competitive CVs and Research Statements b) interviewing c) choosing where to apply d) navigating your first year in graduate school e) what is a career in neuroscience? f) how to talk to your non-science family about your career g) fiscal literacy in graduate school and beyond.
In addition to the faculty mentor, MIND scholars will be provided with a “near-peer” mentor in the form of a GPN graduate student or post-doctoral fellow. In addition, peer-to-peer mentorship will be encouraged throughout the career development programming.
Program Events: All post-baccalaureates researchers or equivalent (CS Researcher 1 and 2) are invited to attend several events sponsored by the MINDS program and Department of Neuroscience:
- Annual Welcome Gathering
- Monthly Meet-Ups with other Neuroscience Post-Bacs or equivalent
- Neuroscience Seminars and Colloquium
- Annual Neuroscience Career Panel
- Annual Post-Bac Poster Session (families who are based locally are invited to attend)
Program Duration: Applicants will be awarded a $35,000 stipend and career development programming for one year. Pending adequate progress, scholars will be awarded a second year of funding in which the MINDS program will cover 50% of the stipend and the faculty mentor will cover the remaining stipend and fringe benefits This will be awarded pending assessment of research progress and commitment from the faculty mentor. The faculty mentor must commit to covering any remaining amount in order to maintain the awardee at his/her/their current level of funding and benefits.
Commitment from Faculty Mentor:
For Students: Students should designate faculty of interest from a list of approved MINDS faculty mentors. The MINDS program committee will facilitate pairings between scholar and faculty mentor. Following acceptance into the MINDS program, students and their faculty mentor must craft a one-page project outline and submit it to the program committee for approval.
For Faculty Mentors: Scholars must receive a gross income of $35,000. Thus, faculty mentors are expected to cover the cost of MIND scholars’ fringe benefits. In addition, we must receive a letter of commitment from the faculty mentor guaranteeing that they understand and are committed to providing a research experience to the awardee that furthers the individual’s intellectual and technical growth. While it is expected that MIND scholars will participate in some lab maintenance, it is not acceptable to have this be the main function of the MIND scholars.
Faculty participation: Faculty must apply to be on the list of MINDS faculty mentors. Faculty must provide a list of past and current post-bac (or equivalent – Researcher 1&2) students as well as past and current graduate students. Faculty must also provide a statement indicating their financial commitment to the student in terms of fringe benefits, stipend in year 2, and scientific resources that are required for the project. Faculty with eligible NIH grants are strongly encouraged apply for NIH diversity supplement to help support the MIND scholar.