https://dibs.duke.edu/education/dune/
DUNE’s core focus is for students to conduct research under the mentorship of a graduate student or a postdoc. In addition to that, we also have activities that specialize in scientific development, education and career development, and community building. Our scientific development series includes lectures on basic neuroscience concepts, techniques, and how to present your research. Our education and career development series focuses on getting the students ready for college through workshops on writing college applications and to learn about the process of preparing for higher education. Lastly, our community series introduces students to a variety of neuroscience topics from experts themselves, while building a supportive network and community to foster the students’ growth.
DUNE is a paid summer, high school research experience based in the Duke Institute of Brain Sciences for rising juniors and seniors in the Research Triangle Area. The core mission of our program is to promote
What to Expect
- Join a Lab: Get matched with a cutting-edge neuroscience lab at Duke University based on your research interests.
- Hands-on Research: Perform hands-on neuroscience research and gain technical research skills.
- Mentorship: Receive individualized mentorship from professional scientists who will guide you through your research project.
- Professional Development: Participate in a series of professional development workshops with local experts.
- Develop your neuroscience understanding
- Receive guidance for applying to college
- Develop scientific communication and presentation skills
- Explore career options in academia, industry, and medicine
- Networking: Develop a network of peers and mentors.
- Present Your Work: Present your research at an end-of-summer poster session for your peers, family, and Duke scientists.
- Stipend: Receive a stipend and daily lunch.
- Laptop: Borrow a laptop with specialized software for your lab work.
The program lasts 2 months beginning in June and occurs annually.
ELIGIBILITY. This program is for…
- A current high school sophomore, junior, or senior who has not yet applied to college (grades 10-12 for the 2023-2024 school year);
- who is at least fifteen (15) years old;
- a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or legal resident; and
- lives in North Carolina within commuting distance of Duke University’s West Campus.*
*DUNE does not offer a residential option. Students must commute to campus daily.
The program encourages applications from individuals who identify as belonging to any of the following groups:
- Race/ethnicity groups who are underrepresented in STEM, biomedical sciences, or medical fields
- Black or African American
- Hispanic, Latino/a, or of Spanish origin
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- Native Alaskan or Native American
- First-generation
- LGBTQIA+
- Low-income
For questions, contact tiffany.scotton@duke.edu.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
This program was established in 2019, is currently funded by individual donors, and is housed in the Duke Institute of Brain Sciences. The principal investigator of DUNE is Dr. Leonard White, and Trevor Alston is the Co-Lead/Founder.
For questions about funding and other forms of support for this program, contact:
Tiffany Scotton, DUNE program manager
- Email: duneprogram@duke.edu
- Phone: 919 684 3422
