The Enhancing Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experiences (ENSURE) program was a 2-year paid scholarship that provided 15 undergraduates with an extended and authentic neuroscience research experience, a robust network of mentoring support, and the necessary skills to successfully gain admittance to graduate or medical school.

ENSURE scholars developed research skills through formal training in the classroom and hands-on wet lab research experience. Additionally, scholars learned the necessary skills to disseminate their research via academic journal publications and poster presentations at national conferences.

During the 2-year commitment, ENSURE fellows did not participate in other paid research or academic experience without prior approval from the ENSURE co-directors (this includes the NSF REU program, Green Fellowship, external summer research programs, etc).

• Introduction to Neuroscience Research Skills Course (3 hours/week, 15 week course) 
• ENSURE scholars dinner (once per semester) 
• Career Mentoring Meetings (once per month) 
• Mentored Research in Laboratory
  • Weekly lab meetings
  • Biweekly mentor meetings 

• Summer Mentored Research in Laboratory
  • “Tools for Research” Series 
• Seminar Series (once per month) 
• Responsible Conduct of Research Training 
• UTD’s Undergraduate Research Symposium (Spring) 
• UTD’s Summer Research Symposium (July) 
• Travel to National/International Conference