MIND Graduate Admission Pathway
Summer graduate mentoring program in neuroscience or related disciplines for Xavier University of Louisiana undergraduates.
About the Program
The MIND Graduate Admission Pathway or MINDGAP program connects outstanding Xavier University of Louisiana undergraduates with a summer research experience at the University of California, Davis, co-mentored by faculty from both schools, to prepare them for graduate studies in molecular biology, neuroscience, and related fields.
MINDGAP scholars receive a stipend, housing, and meals, along with research facility tours, graduate school prep, and a chance to present their work at a national conference, such as Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. UC Davis also waives application fees for MINDGAP scholars applying to any of its graduate programs. We are now accepting applications! Due January 17.
Program Goals
- Explore biomedical research - the engine that drives healthcare and medicine
- Gain research experience
- Expand your network of mentors, collaborators and peers
- See if UC Davis or another of the 10 University of California campuses is the place for you to do graduate research
- Graduate Research Opportunities: Integrative Genetics and Genomics (IGG); Neuroscience Program (NSP); Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BMCDB), Biomedical Engineering; Pharmacology and Toxicology; and several others
- Here is a full listing of the many UC Davis Graduate School programs
Program Logistics
Complete the application here.
- Application Opens: December 2024
Application Due Date: January 17, 2025
Program Start Date: June 16, 2025
Program End Date: August 8, 2025
Poster Presentation: August 8, 2025
MINDGAP Scholars will spend their time at two locations:
- UC Davis MIND Institute: 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
- University of California, Davis: 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616
- Stipend: Each student will receive a $5,000 stipend for the summer. In addition, all transportation and housing costs will be provided by the program.
- Poster Presentation: The scholars will have an opportunity to present their research at a national meeting and MINDGAP will cover the expenses.
- UC School Application Fees: The application fees will be waived for any graduate program the scholar applies to in the UC system.
Housing expenses will be covered by the MINDGAP program. Housing is located in Davis, CA (about 30 minutes from the MIND Institute).
Applicants must have all three of the following requirements:
- Be a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana
- Have a GPA of at least 3.0
- Complete Genetics or Introduction Neuroscience prior to the internship
MINDGAP scholars will be matched with faculty who share their specific interest in research on the study and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Click here to see our list of mentors and learn more about their areas of research.
Biology or psychology of neurodevelopmental conditions, gene editing and epigenetic therapy, characterizing neuronal functions of high-density microelectrode arrays, neuroscience, behavior, bioinformatics, genomics and more.
If you have any questions, please email us at hs-mindgap@ucdavis.edu.
About the UC Davis MIND Institute
The program is run through the UC Davis MIND Institute, a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, and treatment of the challenges associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The MIND Institute condemns the ongoing racism and violence targeting people of color. We are committed to fulfilling our mission to help all families affected by neurodevelopmental challenges and to promote equal access to high quality healthcare and education for all members of our community.