Undergraduate Research Awards for Consciousness Neuroscience

In 2010 the Mind Science Foundation inaugurated a program of “microgrants” to local universities, aimed at providing support for undergraduates interested in careers in neuroscience to develop research projects investigating brain, mind, and consciousness. The Mind Science Microgrants in Consciousness Neuroscience program has supported projects developed by students from Trinity University, Texas State University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Students participating in the microgrants program have collaborated with University faculty in research investigations that have been presented at regional and national meetings.

Trinity University was the first recipient of funding for this program.  Proposals were peer-reviewed by a student panel,  giving both applicants and reviewers the chance to experience the research funding cycle first-hand. In October 2011, microgrant recipients showcased their research with a poster session at the Pearl Stable Auditorium, during the reception for Distinguished Speaker lecturer, Frans de Waal. Future lecture receptions will feature the newest microgrant recipients. 

Trinity students participating in research programs funded by the Mind Science include, from left, Tarick Megahed, neuroscience major from Houston; Gilad "Gil" Poplinger, psychology major from Houston; Melanie Sweeney, neuroscience major from Houston; and Nicholas Holder, neuroscience and psychology from South Lake, Texas.

The program was expanded in 2011 to the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas State University at San Marcos.