Neurophotonics Research Training Program Applications

Please submit an application to join NPC/NRT Research Training Program

This training program is open to all interested doctoral students at Boston University from any departments, including Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Biophysics, and Program in Biomedical Sciences. We are seeking a diverse cohort of students with a desire to pursue interdisciplinary research focused on neurophotonics. Trainees can apply to join the training program at any time, but are encouraged to do so during their first year. Applications for a fellowship are to be submitted in April of a trainee’s second PhD year.

Here you can find out what the traineeship program has to offer. The training program spans all years of your graduate program, with most training activities starting in year two. Students from groups traditionally under-represented in science and engineering are especially encouraged to apply. We encourage trainees to contact us at  nrt@bu.edu to share their ideas for improving the program to ensure that it is providing the best training and opportunities for your future endeavors.

PLEASE NOTE: An acceptance as a trainee to the NRT program does not indicate that you are receiving a fellowship. Trainees who have been active in the NRT are eligible to apply for a Fellowship at the end of their second year. Active trainees in their 3rd year may also apply for a fellowship, but priority is generally given to those finishing their second year.

Those applying to join the NRT as a trainee (generally those completing their first year) should complete the application form HERE. Applications are accepted all year on a rolling basis. This form requests

• Name, graduate year, and graduate program
• A ≤250 word statement expressing your interests in interdisciplinary training and research and how your dissertation is advancing photonics techniques to understanding the brain.
• Identification of the faculty members you plan to do your research with, or in the case you that you are still rotating, with whom you are rotating. Note that NRT trainees are expected to have a primary and a secondary mentor with complementary skills in neuroscience, photonics and data science.

Those applying for a fellowship at the end of their second or third year should fill out the application form HERE.  The deadline each year is generally the end of April with decisions made by the end of May. This application will request the following information:

• Name, graduate year, program, and any training fellowships you have received
• A ≤250 word statement expressing your interests in interdisciplinary training and research and how your dissertation is advancing photonics techniques to understanding the brain.
• Identification of your two co-mentors who will recommend you for the NRT fellowship. Please ask your mentors to prepare a single co-signed letter of recommendation for the fellowship and to email to nrt@bu.edu.
• A copy of your unofficial transcript (uploaded on application form).
• A copy of your resume (uploaded on application form).

If there are questions, comments, or concerns on the application process, please let us know via email: nrt@bu.edu.