Neuro About | Tulane University School of Science and Engineering

The Tulane University Neuroscience Program was established in 1986 as the first interdisciplinary doctoral program at Tulane. In the early 2000’s, the Neuroscience Program expanded to include an interdisciplinary undergraduate major and a master’s program, each of which have each grown to be among the largest and most successful at the University.

Welcome to the Tulane Neuroscience Program, the educational and training arm of the Tulane Brain Institute!

The Tulane University Neuroscience Program was established in 1986 as the first interdisciplinary doctoral program at Tulane. In the early 2000's, the Neuroscience Program expanded to include an interdisciplinary undergraduate major and a master's program, each of which have each grown to be among the largest and most successful at the University. Neuroscience Program students are trained within the growing and vibrant Tulane Brain Institute that draws from faculty from across the University including those from the main Campus, the Health Sciences campus and the National Primate Research Center.

As an undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience at Tulane University, you will learn about how the building blocks of the nervous system, neurons, communicate with each other in neural circuits to produce sensory perception, movement, complex behaviors, thoughts, and memories. There are many research opportunities available in our research laboratories, conducting cutting-edge neuroscience research in topics ranging from gene regulation and cellular signaling to animal behavior. You will be in a position when you graduate with a bachelor of science in neuroscience to continue your studies in professional or graduate school, or to start a career in science.

As a Master's student in the Tulane 4+1 or 1-year Master's Programs, you will further develop your interests in neuroscience, and strengthen and expand your knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system and its constituent cells and systems through advanced courses and laboratory experiences. You will be able to participate in clinical and/or research internships that will allow you to solidify your future career goals, and you will build your neuroscience credentials in order to enhance your competitiveness to enter the workforce or to continue your graduate education in medical school or graduate school.

As a Ph.D. student in the Tulane Neuroscience Program, you will be fostered through the process of choosing a laboratory before becoming completely immersed in the world of scientific research, including all the ups and downs of scientific experimentation and the ultimate excitement of scientific discovery. Current areas of research interest in neuroscience at Tulane span a wide range of topics, ranging from the basic cell/molecular mechanisms of neuronal signaling to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, in passing by way of the neurobiology of animal behavior, from birds to primates. State-of-the-art techniques, including cell imaging and patch clamp recording, recombinant DNA technology and sophisticated behavioral analyses are brought to bear on the study of some of the most pressing issues in mental health.

Take a look at the Neuroscience Program and Brain Institute websites to learn more about our Programs and the Neuroscience community at Tulane. If you are interested in applying to one of our exciting undergraduate or graduate programs, please contact the Program Directors (undergraduate and Master's Programs, Dr. Beth Wee; Ph.D. Program, Dr. Ricardo Mostany). Additionally, feel free to contact individual faculty, our Program Manager (Sherrie Calogero), or me to find out what is happening in the Tulane Neuroscience Program and how you can be a part of it.

Matthew Dalva, Ph.D. Director, Tulane Brain Institute
mdalva@tulane.edu

The goal of Neuroscience is to understand the role of the nervous system in regulating physiological processes. This rapidly developing field has a broad domain that ranges from the cellular and molecular control of brain cells to the regulation of responses in whole organisms. Tulane Neuroscience is interdisciplinary, with researchers from a range of fields (Psychology, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering). Neuroscience has a strong tradition at Tulane both as an area of study and research and with its doctoral, masters, and undergraduate programs comprised of faculty on the uptown and downtown campuses and the primate center.

Activities

For details about TUNA, click here: Tulane University Neuroscience Association (TUNA) | Tulane Brain Institute

Here are some excerpts from a message from TUNA's first president, Ardalan Minokadeh:

TUNA intends to serve many purposes (too many to mention!) including:

invite speakers to the campus (seminars/discussions)
expose the Tulane community (and Greater New Orleans) to neuroscience and issues of the brain
expose majors or those interested to possible future careers or educational opportunities in the field
let Neuroscience majors meet each other!
provide support (academic, social, or other) for the growing number of Neuroscience majors on campus

Spread the word! This club is NOT restricted to just neuroscience majors OR undergraduate students. All students of any major or class/standing are invited and encouraged to join.

For more information about TUNA, please contact Dr. Katelyn Black.

Every March, members of the Tulane neuroscience community join neuroscientists from around the country to celebrate Brain Awareness Week (BAW). The National Society for Neuroscience describes BAW as: “an inspirational global campaign that unites those who share an interest in elevating public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain and nervous system research.” During previous BAWs, Tulane neuroscientists have helped spread the word about neuroscience by hosting a series of events such as informational sessions for Tulane students about the neuroscience major, graduate school, and careers in neuroscience; held fun events like movie night, trivia night, free IQ testing, and free food (smoothies, desserts, pizza, pasta, etc.); sponsored seminars by visiting neuroscientists; and worked with other New Orleans neuroscientists to bring BAW to the New Orleans Children’s Museum and Children's Library. Some of these outreach activities are carried out at times other than during BAW, as Tulane neuroscientists go to the local schools to talk about neuroscience, bring students to campus during summer sessions, participate in Tulane's Girls in STEM (GIST) and Boys at Tulane in STEM (BATS), and lead tours of the neuroscience teaching laboratory to visiting high school science classes and Tulane visitors and alumni.

Neuroscience majors can complete their service learning requirements in a number of ways. Service learning is available as an optional component to the following courses:

Neurobiology of Disease (NSCI/Psych 4340) - students volunteer with elderly at a local nursing home, HIV/AIDS patients in Hospice, or at the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Behavioral Endocrinology (NSCI 4060) - students volunteer at local animal shelters and observe many aspects of animal behavior
Music and the Brain (NSCI 4513)
Sports Related Brain Injury (NSCI 4130)

For those students who want additional experience, they can sign up for the Service Learning Internship (NSCI 4570) which requires 70 hours of service and participation in a weekly seminar run by the Center for Public Service.

For more information about Service Learning courses, click here: Home | Tulane Center for Public Service

The Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) gives high school students the opportunity to take college-credit courses in the summer in science and engineering at Tulane before high school graduation. TSSP is a selective program for rising 10th through 12th grade students who have exceptional talent in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Residential options are available.

Limited tuition scholarships are available for Louisiana residents, and financial aid is awarded based on need. In order to be considered for our scholarship opportunities, you must submit your scholarship application by the financial aid application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application or have questions about scholarships, email summer@tulane.edu for more information.

More Details About TSSP

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