The Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC) conducts path-breaking research on the neurobiology of alcohol use and abuse using pre-clinical (rodent) models (see https://www.binghamton. edu/centers/dearc/ for more information). The Center has nearly a dozen affiliated labs, about half of which receive direct federal funding to support studies in alcohol neurobiology. Commensurate with its long-standing commitment to training the next generation of scientists, the DEARC is pleased to announce a new “Scholars in Alcohol Neurobiology” program to encourage and support under-represented groups to train in DEARC-supported laboratories as a first step toward a career in biomedical research. In addition to providing outstanding scientific training and mentorship, the program seeks to remove financial barriers to participation in science.
The program is envisioned to provide research experience during the regular academic year and will include a $5000 annual stipend (half in September, half in February). The Fellowship also includes an additional travel allowance of $1000 to cover membership fees and attend the annual Conference of the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA), held in late June each year, where students will be expected to present their scientific findings. Fellows will be expected to attend monthly meetings of the DEARC and will have the opportunity to present “work-in-progress” talks, network with faculty and trainees at all levels of the scientific spectrum, and to participate in discussion of ongoing projects among DEARC-affiliated laboratories. Other professional development activities geared toward preparation of a career in biomedical research will also be provided.
Administration of the program will follow guidance provided in the 2019 NSF report on Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/ nsf19304/digest) as well as the recommendations of NIH (https://extramural-diversity. nih.gov/diversity-matters) and will be available to:
- Under-represented racial/ethnic groups (Blacks or African Americans; Hispanics or Latinos; American Indians or Alaska Natives; Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders);
- Individuals with Disability(ies); and
- Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds.
For applicants meeting the above definitions of URM, additional priority will be given to Women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Applicants with an expressed interest in alcohol neurobiology must (i) be actively considering careers in biomedical research; (ii) have completed their freshman year; and (iii) be in good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 or above. We expect to support at least 3 students per year, depending on availability of funds.
Funds are available immediately and we have 3 positions available. There is no set deadline for applications and we will review them on a rolling basis. Applicants must be BU students (i.e., off-site pilot projects are not eligible). Applications require 4 documents:
- an updated CV for the student applicant
- academic transcripts
- statement of interest, including a general description of the project (~1-2 pages)
- a brief letter of support and mentoring plan provided by the PI (~1-2 pages)
