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Neurology and Neurosurgery

Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)

How to Apply

Applications are open from December 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024 for internships in the summer of 2024 for Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS). 

Qualifications

We are seeking current rising high school juniors or seniors (by June 2024) interested in a future career in a behavioral health-related science (neuroscience, psychology, etc.) and strong academic record in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses. To foster diversity in the biomedical training field, (Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity) we strongly encourage students in the following underrepresented groups to apply:

A. The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented (UR) in biomedical research:

  • Blacks or African Americans,
  • Hispanics or Latinos,
  • American Indians or Alaska Natives,
  • Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders

B. Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

C. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the criteria cited in the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity

Program Options

Depending on your location, we offer two summer programs:

In-Person: Open to students who live in the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area, and who are enrolled full time in a Baltimore City Public or Independent School toward a high school diploma.

Virtual: Open to students who live anywhere in the U.S. and are enrolled full time towards a high school diploma.

Note: If you are accepted, please be aware that extended absences during the virtual 5-week or in-person 8-week program are not permitted. Do not apply knowing that you will not be able to commit to the program full time.

Application Process:

Prepared by the Student Applicant:

To apply, please complete the appropriate application form based on your preferred learning format:

As part of the application form, students are required to:

  • Provide basic background information
  • Answer several essay questions
  • Upload a resume that includes history of work, hobbies/research experience, etc.
  • Upload a copy of the academic transcript (can be unofficial transcript).

In addition to the application form:

  • Student should ask guidance counselor to send a copy of the official transcript to Dr. Asante Kamkwalala at [email protected]
  • Student should request two (2) letters of recommendation, each from a person who can speak to the student’s background and how they will benefit from this program.

Prepared by the Letter Writer (Recommender):

  1. In your letter of recommendation, please give a brief evaluation of the student’s academic achievement, the key competencies you think the student possesses, and how this program would support their academic pursuits.
  2. Letter writers should send their letter of recommendation (LOR) directly to Drs. Amanda Brown and Asante Kamkwalala, on behalf of the student (see contact information at the bottom of the page).

Complete applications, including all letters, transcripts and essays must be received by March 1, 2024 to be considered.

Application to the in-person program is extremely competitive! Students who apply to the in-person program and are not selected may be offered the opportunity to participate in the virtual program instead.

What to Expect in Each Program

   In-Person Research Training  Virtual Research Training
 Program Duration  8 weeks  5 weeks
 Program Dates  June 2024 - August 2024  July 2024 - August 2024
 Eligibility  Current juniors and seniors from backgrounds who are underrepresented (UR) attending schools in Baltimore City only are eligible to apply for the 8-week in-person summer research experience. Current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations anywhere in the United States are eligible to participate in the 5-week virtual summer research experience.
Participant Selection Process Students, called "interns," are selected after a series of steps that include application screening and in-person interviews. The selection also depends on the availability of suitable mentors. Students, called "interns," are selected after the program reviews all applications.
 Onboarding Process Interns undergo a health screening, criminal background check, and training in the protection of human subjects and the responsible conduct of research prior to beginning their internship and/or research projects. Interns who will not turn 18 before the beginning of the program will need to obtain a Maryland State work permit, signed by a parent or guardian.  
Program Experience After Acceptance In-person interns will be matched with a clinician or scientist and will be exposed to a research project in a laboratory or clinical setting. Interns will also participate with the virtual students in other program activities such as professional development workshops, college prep classes, mentorship training, scientific presentations, networking activities and more! Interns will participate in professional development workshops, college prep classes, mentorship training, networking activities and more!
 Stipend Interns will receive an hourly stipend over 8 weeks. Transportation is covered, but housing is not provided. Virtual interns will receive an honorarium for full participation in the 5-week program.

Contact

For further information, please contact:

[email protected]

Dr. Amanda Brown
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Asante R. Kamkwalala
Email: [email protected]