Ensuring that the biomedical research workforce is exceptional requires that the best scientific minds from all parts of society choose to participate. This is especially important for neuroscience, as major challenges remain for developing effective strategies to treat neurological disorders. Most individuals are exposed to neuroscience as a field of study late in the career decision process. This can be problematic as rigorous research experience is necessary to commit to a career investigating neurological disease. The Explorations in Neuroscience Research for High School Students program was initiated to fill this gap. Trained mentors will supervise high school students as they work for seven weeks on substantive research projects in neuroscience, neurological injury, or neurodegeneration. Experienced faculty will provide complementary workshops to promote professional development and prepare individuals for neuroscience research experience in college and beyond. Participants will be selected from the Columbus metropolitan area and include individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in neuroscience research. We will track the impact of the program on cognitive factors known to promote choice and persistence in research activities. We will also track participants’ career trajectories after the program to discern the long-term effects of this seven- week experience and its impact on the biomedical neuroscience research workforce. It is expected that this program will encourage participants to explore degrees in neuroscience, excel in high quality neuroscience research experiences, and promote development of a strong cohort of diverse young investigators dedicated to neurological disease research.

The Exploration in Neuroscience Research for High School Students provides substantive research experiences and professional development activities to support future participation of high school students, including those typically underrepresented in neuroscience, in undergraduate neurological disease research, neuroscience majors, and careers in neuroscience research. This program is designed to provide a strong foundation for early neuroscientists to excel in competitive research programs.