Author: Patricia L. Reagan

University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neuroscience
Undergraduate e-Newsletter

Neuroscience People

TJ Kessler
accepted to
Lincoln Memorial University—
Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Please tell us your good news! Med/Grad School Acceptances, Fellowship/Scholarship Awards, etc. We would love to share your news with the undergraduate Neuroscience community. Click here.

Vol 4, Issue 6, Feb, 2011

Newsletter Spotlight

Important Dates
Major Requirements/Fellowships
Course Offerings
Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
More Opportunities

FALL REGISTRATION is just around the corner….
Students MUST meet with an advisor each term to have their Advising (ADV) HOLD lifted.
Enrollment appointments begin on March 28th.
Check your student center in early February for your day and time and to ensure your ADV HOLD has been removed.
Make your appointment today!

Fall
Reg

To contact the advising office Click here

To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here.

Important Dates

Punxsutawney Phil

February 2, 2011
February 21, 2011
February 25, 2011
March 4, 2011
March 6-13, 2011
March 25, 2011
March 28, 2011
April 9, 2011
April 25-30, 2011
May 1, 2011
July 8, 2011

Groundhog Day
Summer term enrollment begins
Honors Convocation
Monitored Withdrawal Deadline
Spring Recess
Deadline to apply for August 2011 Graduation
Fall term enrollment appointments begin
Fall term open enrollment begins
Final Exams Week
Annual Commencement Convocation
Deadline to apply for December 2011 Graduation

February 2011

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. Don’t let him see that shadow, please!

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		1	2 / Groundhog Day	3 / Grade Option Deadline	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21 / Summer / Registration begins	22	23	24	25 / Honors / Convocation	26
27	28

Major Requirements

Students must complete BIOSC 0150, BIOSC 0160, CHEM 0110, and CHEM 0120 with a grade of C or better (not C-) in order to declare Neuroscience as a major. Students must earn a B– or better in Intro to Neuroscience in order to continue in the major. To graduate with a BS degree in Neuroscience, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in major courses and in co-requisite courses.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors are awarded to students who have achieved outstanding academic success. To qualify for this distinguished honor, a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, a minimum Neuroscience GPA of 3.25, and a substantial amount of approved Neuroscience research must be conducted. Additionally, students are required to give a public presentation of their research. Eligible students must then pass a faculty review.

Capstone Requirement

Online Advising
Now Available!
Schedule your appointment
today!

Students who have matriculated to A & S since Fall of 2007 must complete a capstone experience. For more information, please contact the advising office via email or call 412-624-5156.

Fellowship Opportunities

University of Pittsburgh Fellowships
Brackenridge Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Research participants receive a monthly $800 stipend to assure their freedom from the need to work during the summer.
Chancellor's Undergraduate Research Fellowship $600 one-term stipend for undergraduate students engaged in research.
Chancellor's Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship $600 one-term stipend for undergraduate students engaged in teaching with a faculty member.

STUDENTS

Please remember to request a grade change form be submitted upon completion of course work in classes where a “G” grade was entered. Also, a course repeat form must be submitted when courses are taken more than once.

Apply for Fellowships Early!

Summer
Registration
begins
February 21

Summer ADV Holds removed via email (plr5@pitt.edu) request.

Summer Term (2117)
Course Offerings

CRN#	Course	Title	Cr	Sessions	Days	Time	Room	Instructor
10698	NROSCI 0080	Brain and Behavior	3	6 wk 1	T, Th	6 pm-9:15 pm	LNGLY A221	TBA
10652	NROSCI 0081	Drugs and Behavior	3	6 wk 1	T, Th	9 am-12:15 pm	CRWF 241	TBA
10970	NROSCI 0081 / (CGS)	Drugs and Behavior	3	6 wk 1	T, Th	6 pm-9:15 pm	LNGLY A214	TBA
10016	NROSCI 1901	Independent Study	1-6	12 wk		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10171	NROSCI 1901	Independent Study	1-6	6 wk 1		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10290	NROSCI 1901	Independent Study	1-6	6 wk 2		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10017	NROSCI 1961	Thesis Research	1-6	12 wk		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10172	NROSCI 1961	Thesis Research	1-6	6 wk 1		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10291	NROSCI 1961	Thesis Research	1-6	6 wk 2		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10490	NROSCI 1962	Thesis Writing Practicum	1	12 wk		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10491	NROSCI 1962	Thesis Writing Practicum	1	6 wk 1		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman
10492	NROSCI 1962	Thesis Writing Practicum	1	6 wk 2		By Appt.		Meriney / Rinaman

Research

The 21st annual UHC Undergraduate Research Fair
When: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Where: William Pitt Union Ballroom, Assembly Room, and Kurtzman Room
Students in all undergraduate divisions and majors are encouraged to
participate. Refreshments will be served.
Abstract submission deadline: March 18, 2011
Download the application form (Word document)

Start planning now!

Current Events

Research opportunity
-possible summer support in human brain connectivity mapping.
Dr. Walter Schneider (Psychology U. Pittsburgh) has open positions for students interested in mapping human brain fiber tracts using non-invasive MRI imaging.
In MRI clinical scanning, cutting edge techniques are being developed to map 500,000 connective streamlines and segment them into fiber tracts (see Figure). These new techniques are applied to visualization and quantification of human fiber tracts in basic research and have clinical applications in neurosurgical planning and diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and genetic disorders (click for images).

HDFT Map

Segmented Tracts

Students will be assigned specific brain networks to quantify ten human brain data sets and be expected to research the related literature for a specific cortical circuit.
Knowledge of functional neuroanatomy (e.g., having taken NROSCI 1011) and 10 hours of availability per week on average are preferred. Options for research credit, possible publications, pay and/or summer support are likely. There may also be opportunities to work during vacation periods.
Interested students send a brief statement of interest, résumé, and
unofficial transcript to Emily Braun ecb27@pitt.edu.

2011 Summer
Research with NIDA student applications and brochure are now available online at:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/PDF/SPOSummer.pdf
The application deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

The West Virginia University Center for Neuroscience continues to cultivate the next generation of neuroscientists with an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in our 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Internship (SURI) program. Accepted students will gain invaluable experience as they study and work in high-tech facilities across 40 laboratories housed in modern research facilities.
Students accepted to the SURI program will receive a $3,000 stipend, plus a $1,000 housing allowance. More information is also available on our website: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/wvucn/suri/index.asp

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Amgen Scholars Program, a summer research program at UCLA. This program provides research experiences at 10 universities across the country for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. and, eventually, a career in science. At UCLA, 24 undergraduates will participate in the Amgen Scholars Program during the Summer of 2011. Of these, 12 will be students selected from 4-year institutions across the nation, and 12 students will be from UCLA. During the summer, the Amgen Scholars will participate in research projects; attend scientific seminars (including a 3-day conference in Los Angeles) and work under some of the nation’s top academic scientists. The Program dates will be from Sunday, June 19, 2011 to Friday, August 26, 2011. Students interested in summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. The Program also includes a $3500 Stipend, housing and some meals provided, a three-day Biotechnology Conference at UCLA, GRE test preparation, luncheons with faculty, workshops, scientific writing instruction, seminars, and poster presentations.
In order to apply, students must be: Undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, Sophomores (with 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college experience), Juniors and non-graduating Seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate experience), A U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, A student with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above, Interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
The deadline to apply is February 1, 2011. The application is currently available online. For more information regarding the program and the application process please visit:
http://www.ugeducation.ucla.edu/urc-care/AmgenSupplApplication.htm
To learn more about all ten U.S. Amgen Scholars Programs, please visit: http://www.amgenscholars.com/

The Biomedical Sciences Club at The Pennsylvania State University will be hosting our annual
Undergraduate Research Conference on Saturday, March 26th. This is a great opportunity for undergraduates to present research and interact with speakers from academia, government and industry. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Donald Henderson who headed the Smallpox Eradication Unit at the World Health Organization and is currently a leading expert on civilian biodefense issues. The fee for non-PSU students is $20 which covers breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance to the optional poster competition as well as all break-out sessions with our speakers. Please contact Sophie Huddart, Biomedical Club Secretary, 814-769-3792, skh18@psu.edu,Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College, College of Agricultural Sciences.

CCNMD Undergraduate Research Fellowship
The National Institute of Mental Health Conte Center for the Neuroscience of Mental Disorders (CCNMD) Undergraduate Research Fellowship provides highly talented undergraduate students with early-career, hands-on engagement in cutting edge neuroscience research. Research opportunities focus on schizophrenia and related disorders, and the neurobiological systems behind these illnesses Fellows begin the program during the summer following the freshman or sophomore year with a full-time, 10-week research experience supported by a $4,000 stipend.
Full details of the program and application information can be found on the CCNMD Undergraduate Research Fellowship website.
Application deadline: February 11, 2011 for the 2011 Summer Fellowship.

Registration is now open for the:
2011 Diabetes and Obesity Research Spring Summit
March 14, 2011
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Nittany Lion Inn
Registration and Abstract Deadline: February 15, 2011
Registration: Please follow the link below for more details and access to on line registration. Space is limited, so please register early to ensure your seat at the conference.
http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/diabetesresearch/home
The Keynote Speaker for this year’s event is Dr. Robert Sherwin, from the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Sherwin is known for his research in the effect of insulin on brain function and immune mechanisms leading to type 1 diabetes. The topic of his presentation is Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Diabetes, from Laboratory to Bedside.
A welcome to the University Park campus will be offered by Eugene Marsh, MD, Senior Associate Dean for the Penn State College of Medicine Regional Medical Campus and Associate Director of the Penn State Hershey Medical Group in State College
Abstract Submission
Please follow the link below for formatting details and to register your intent to submit an abstract using the on-line form.
http://www.pennstatehershey.org/web/diabetesresearch/home/submission
You will receive a confirmation immediately upon submission of your on-line form. Subsequently, the final formatted abstract must be sent directly to Continuing Ed by email attachment (see website instructions). Within 48 hours of sending your abstract in final format, you will receive an email confirmation from ContinuingEd@hmc.psu.edu indicating that both your form & the abstract attachment have been received.
All abstracts will be considered for poster presentations. A subset of these abstracts will be selected and invited for brief oral presentations during the “Poster Headlines” plenary sessions. To be considered for an oral presentation, please be sure to meet the submission deadline for submission of your final abstract. Prizes will be awarded for the top three posters from by post-doc/fellow/student presenters.

Allison Robinson, the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's (UPMC) Environmental Initiatives program, which focuses on the incorporation of sustainability principles into healthcare operations across the system invites you to submit applications to the annual Sustainable Health Care Innovation Competition. "Sustainable Healthcare" addresses the incorporation of sustainability principles and practices into healthcare operations. In 2010, the participation was limited to UPMC staff across the system. Though the context was defined, we did not limit the application scope. In 2011, we are expanding the annual competition to include applied concept submissions from students of regional colleges and universities, and we are limiting the application scope to nonclinical and clinical administration only.
This competition will officially start on Tuesday, January 25th, 2011, which is the earliest we will receive submissions electronically. Submissions may be made until close of business (5pm) March 15th, 2011.
If you want more information and feel that students at your college or university may be interested in participating in this competition, please view and share this website link: www.upmc.com/SHIC<http://www.upmc.com/SHIC>

HELP WANTED

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a concrete impact in the fight against global poverty? MEDLIFE (www.medlifeweb.org) is a global health organization that works to improve access to Medicine, Education, and Development (MEDs) in impoverished regions of Latin America. We are currently looking for student leaders interested in starting a MEDLIFE chapter at University of Pittsburgh.
Our organization offers students an unrivaled opportunity to engage in hands-on work both locally and globally in order to improve the lives of those in need. Through our Mobile Clinics and community development projects, students are able to work alongside doctors and other professionals as we bring meaningful, sustainable change to areas of extreme poverty. Dedicated students also have the opportunity to help direct our domestic and international operations through various leadership positions and internships, both in the United States and Latin America. MEDLIFE has already served tens of thousands of individuals in Peru and Ecuador, and we will continue to grow with your help.
Student leaders at developing chapters will work closely with existing MEDLIFE leadership in order to recruit students to participate in Mobile Clinics, fundraise for development projects, promote awareness and educate fellow students, and otherwise strive to bring MEDs to the poor of Latin America. Students who successfully lead their friends and colleagues on a MEDLIFE Mobile Clinic this Summer will be eligible to receive free participation. Information and support in the chapter development process will be provided by members of the MEDLIFE Expansion Team, so taking on an important leadership role and making a positive impact in the lives of the poor has never been easier.
Check out our website at www.medlifeweb.org for more information on how you can become involved in our program and help bring medical, educational, and developmental aid to communities in need in Latin America. Be the one to make a difference in the lives of the poor!
Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved! Contact our Student Operations Team at tflint@medlifeweb.org for more information.
We hope to hear from you soon!
The MEDLIFE Team
www.MEDLIFEweb.org

Part-time position
Physician looking for student to do some MRI extractions – he is ready to train but this person needs to have strong computer knowledge excel, word, access – 20 hours per week
Contact:
Khush Kadwa, Manager, Academic & Admin Ops.| UPMC Cardiovascular Institute 4601 Baum Building | Suite # 225 | Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (412- 692 -2935 | 7412- 647- 5492 | *kadwak@upmc.edu |Home - Cardiovascular Institute SharePoint

Pitt Seniors!
My name is Meghan Wilson and I am an MD/PhD student at Pitt. I will be completing my PhD this semester and returning to my third year of med school in May. Because I am quadriplegic and have no use of my hands, I will need to hire a spring Pre-Health graduate to assist me full-time during my medical school clinical rotations. I think this position will be a great opportunity for any pre-professional student who wishes to take a year off before professional school to gain healthcare experience, clarify their career plans, and/or apply and interview for healthcare programs. For more information about the job, please see below. If you are interested in the position or have any questions, please email me ASAP at
mwilson590@gmail.com.
Hope to hear from you soon!
-Meghan
About the job:
*You do not need to have any previous healthcare experience.
*The job will begin in May 2011 and end in August 2012 (16 months total).
*You will be hired through a Pitt Med or UPMC department (with benefits, etc). The details are still being worked out.
*In May, you will be paid to attend basic CNA (certified nursing assistant) or PCT (patient care technician) training, so that you will be legally able to do "hands on" work with patients. I will also teach you all aspects of the physical exam, and we will have the opportunity to practice working together in low stress settings before caring for real patients.
*From June 2011 through August 2012, you will attend my medical school
clinical rotations with me and assist me with the "hands on" parts of the physical exam, and other tasks such as taking notes, charting, and accessing patient information on the UPMC computer system. I will also need you to help me with daily activities such as eating and minor personal care tasks because I will not have my regular student assistants with me during the times that you are helping me.
*You will work on a medical student's schedule and have the same days off
and holiday time that we have. In addition, you will have the sick days and personal days given to all UPMC/Pitt employees. You can use these days to attend professional school interviews.
*You will be able to complete your work with me in time to begin med school (or other graduate programs) in August 2012.
Reasons to consider this opportunity:
*You will get an amazing amount of experience in both inpatient and outpatient health care, over the whole range of medical specialties (internal medicine, surgery, neuroscience, psychiatry, ambulatory medicine, pediatrics, OBGYN, family medicine, and specialty care).
*You will have something to put on your professional school applications that sets you apart from other applicants and shows your strong dedication to developing your skills/knowledge and pursuing a career in health care.
*You will have the opportunity to earn a great letter of recommendation.
*You will be able to get a "foot in the door" at the Pitt School of Medicine, if that is your dream school.
Who should apply:
*Anyone who is graduating May 1 (or has recently graduated), who is interested in pursuing a career in the health professions, but would like to take a year off to work before attending professional school
*Someone who is a good listener, very detail oriented, and takes instruction well (if you are fiercely independent and always like to be in charge this is probably not the job for you)
*Someone who likes to work with people, and is patient and empathetic when interacting with the ill
*Someone who has a genuine interest in learning more about the medical field and is willing to work long med student hours in order to get the benefits listed above
*You don't have to be a pre-med, but those who are planning to go to med school would probably have the most to gain from this opportunity/experience.
*You should be fairly certain that you will be able to make the full 16 month commitment.
If you are interested in this job opportunity, please email me ASAP at mwilson590@hotmail.com and I will send you more information. You do not need to send a resume, letters of recommendation, or anything like that at this point :)

Work/Study Position: Neuroscience Research Assistant
We are recruiting a responsible and highly motivated student to assist in the preparation of rat neural tissue and other associated tasks. There may also be opportunities for more advanced applicants to learn new techniques and responsibilities. Prior laboratory experience is preferred, but not required. Undergraduate Neuroscience Majors are especially encouraged to apply. Applicant must be comfortable working with rodents. Applicant must be available to work before 11am, 7-8 hours/week. Please email nvp1@pitt.edu or ces50@pitt.edu for inquiries.
Pay Rate: $8.15
Supervisor: Nadya Povysheva, A210 Langley Hall, 412-624-4299, nvp1@pitt.edu

There is an opening for a research assistant in Otolaryngology. Experience in behavioral
experiments is preferred, but not required as training is available. The position has been posted on pittsource so you should respond as soon as possible!
Job description: The individual selected for this position will work closely within the laboratory of the Principal Investigator performing simple behavioral experiments on mice, including unilateral noise exposure and ABR thresholds. He/she will need experience performing these tasks and be able to handle mice in accordance with the regulations set forth by the DLAR. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to, laboratory maintenance, equipment testing and inspection, data management report preparation, animal procurement and ordering of laboratory supplies.
PittSource link:
https://www.pittsource.com/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=235615

Volunteers needed!
The Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America
and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System are hosting the
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
August 1-6, 2011 in Pittsburgh this year!
They need VOLUNTEERS and athletes.
Please click here to view the newsletter.
Get your friends together to show our gratitude and support!

NEWS

2011 Pre-Professional Health Committee Materials Available Now
Click Here
Pre-Health Professions Advisor Spring Term Walk-in Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
10-noon 10-noon 10-noon 1-4pm
1-4 pm 1-4 pm 3-6pm

The Pitt Pulse is a student organization wholly committed to creating a respectable, reliable and relevant monthly periodical available on Pitt’s campus. We feature articles relevant to all pre-health students

including advice on academics and gaining related experience, accounts of volunteering and conducting research, discourse on admission and standardized tests and opinions of politics and medicine. You can also enjoy profiles of local health-care professionals and of professional schools of interest.
Find more information at www.pitt.edu/~sorc/thepulse

Pittsburgh Scientific
Pittsburgh Scientific is a student publication featuring research at the University. The goals of this organization are two-fold: to publish an online magazine that will showcase current undergraduate research at the University of Pittsburgh and to enlighten current students of practical opportunities within their fields. Through this, we hope to formally recognize significant scientific endeavors by the undergraduate community, and to promote awareness of the importance of science and research.
Our website, pittscience.org, publishes articles that highlight research being done at the University. In addition, the website will post research positions available to undergraduates.
We eagerly welcome anyone interested in becoming part of our team. Many aspects of our journal are still open to change for students interested in leadership.
For those currently conducting research under the direction of a Pitt researcher, and have or are interested in writing a manuscript for publication, please contact us. Once you have submitted your manuscript to us, our editors will write an article summarizing the research you conducted. This article must then be approved by you and your Principal Investigator prior to official publication.
We are also currently looking for those who are interested in scientific writing, if you have an interest in writing for a student publication please contact us.
Contact Information: pittscience@gmail.com

Neuro Club’s (Belated) Welcome Back Meeting!
Thursday, February 2nd from 8:30-9:30 PM in 219B Langley
Now that everyone has had a chance to ease back into the school year, your officers would like to let you in on what the spring semester has in store. Some highlights include: Neuro Club t-shirts, more Meet the Department lectures, networking opportunities, and more!
In addition to letting you know what is being planned for the semester, we will also have visitors from the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP) speaking at this meeting about some fantastic opportunities to participate in neuroscience outreach to middle and high school students in the annual Brain Bee.
2011 Brain Bee:
CNUP is involved in a number of outreach activities, including ones targeted at middle and high school students. Based on the concept of the Spelling Bee, the Brain Bee is a contest for high school students on their knowledge of neuroscience and the brain. The Pittsburgh Brain Bee is a yearly event. This year’s Pittsburgh Brain Bee will take place on campus (room 1495 of the main Biomedical Science Tower) in the morning of Saturday, 12 February 2011. It would be great to have help from 3 to 4 Neuroscience Club members to host this event. The co-hosts’ task would entail helping escort the high school students from the lobby of BST to room 1495 and being part of the team that quizzes the high school students using questions from a prepared list (which also includes the correct answers). The contest takes about 2 hours, depending on how many high school students participate. It is a lot of fun (not as tense and stressful as the spelling bee), and typically a neuroscience learning experience for everyone in the room.
If you are interested in co-hosting the 2011 Brain Bee, email Floh Thiels so that you can receive more detailed information and specific instructions at: thiels@neurobio.pitt.edu. This is an incredible opportunity to encourage these young students’ interest in neuroscience!

Undergraduate Newsletter

Neuroscience People

Page Title

Page Title

Important Dates

Page Title

Page Title

Major Requrements/rse Offerings

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Employment/volunteer opportunities

Employment/volunteer opportunities

Employment/volunteer opportunities

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title

Page Title