Neural Scientist Training Program
The O’Donnell Brain Institute’s Neural Scientist Training Program (NSTP) identifies and supports exceptional trainees who are pursuing scientific careers focused on nervous system function including the translation of fundamental insights into novel therapeutics. Our goal is to provide close mentorship to early-career scientists as they develop into established academic leaders.
Program Structure
Funding support
The NSTP will fund up to three fellows annually. Fellows will receive two years of full stipend and tuition support (years two to three for Ph.D. students and the initial two Ph.D. years for M.D.–Ph.D. students).
Fellows are required to apply for an NIH F31 Fellowship Program (or similar) during the final year of NSTP support.
Fellows will also receive an additional annual $5,000 stipend to encourage their scholarship, support the participation and presentation of their work at meetings, or to facilitate their education in other ways.
Although funding is limited to two years, NTSP Scholars remain part of the program (including mentorship and related activities) for the entirety of their graduate careers.
Mentorship
Faculty mentorship is an important NSTP priority, and each fellow will be paired with a faculty member in their field of study in addition to their Ph.D. mentors. Fellows will have the opportunity to closely interact with faculty to foster beneficial professional relationships.
NSTP scholars will present their work annually to an O’Donnell Brain Institute mentoring committee that includes leading UT Southwestern scientists, such as National Academy of Sciences members and Nobel Laureates.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to receive feedback on grant and manuscript submissions to assist in their continued scholarship.
Translational Opportunities
The NSTP will offer opportunities for fellows to interact with clinicians and observe patients firsthand, providing them with a unique perspective on brain disease.