FAU-MPFI Honors Program

FAU and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Honors Program serves as the only program of its kind that fosters opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for undergraduates. This program empowers high-performing and talented students such as National Merit Scholars, FAU High School students and high-achieving undergraduates from FAU's Wilkes Honors College and the College of Science.

FAU-MPFI Honors students gain access to: 

  • World-class faculty researchers
  • A summer research program
  • Opportunities for directed independent research and an honors thesis
  • Training in cutting-edge neuroscience technologies such as 2-photon imaging, super resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiology and optogenetic technology

For more information and admission details, go to  /mphp/

Research Internships at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Students have access to intern in world-class research laboratories, contribute to new discoveries, and gain intensive research experience by learning from some of the world’s best neuroscientists in a state-of -the-art research facility.    Nature Index    ranked the Max Planck Society as the world’s top stand-alone scientific institute for biomedical research in 2019.  Nature Index, the definitive ranking source for research institutions, based these results on high impact papers and yearly growth over the past five years. Along with Florida Atlantic University, a Nikon Center of Excellence, the FAU Jupiter Campus is an unparalleled research campus for neuroscience and biomedical research.  Students, at all levels of their education, have unparalleled resources and unprecedented access to working with world-class research scientists.

FAU-MPFI Honors students gain access to: 

  • World-class faculty researchers
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Cutting edge scientific training for all levels of education
  • Career education and professional development activities to foster well-rounded scientific professionals

For more information, go to  https://mpfi.org/training/overview/
Contact: Mr. Joe Schumacher, Joe.Schumacher@mpfi.org

National Merit Scholars Program

Students designated as a National Merit Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition can easily apply and enjoy the benefits of FAU as part of a prestigious group recognized for their dedication to their academic development and future careers. Florida Atlantic University considers it a privilege to offer National Merit scholars a wealth of tailored experiences and opportunities that include top-notch programming and support services, as well as exceptional research opportunities.

  • Personalized campus visits year-round to prospective students and their families
  • Priority admission decision, advising, and early registration
  • Opportunities to meet faculty and current National Merit Scholars
  • A variety of graduate pathway programs that offer B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S. to Ph.D. options
  • Offer of admission into the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College on the Jupiter Campus
  • Honors in the Major program
  • Max Planck Honors program and research opportunities
  • Tailored programming in many of our academic departments, as well as leadership opportunities through our Lead and Serve program

For more information and admission details, go to  /admissions/national-merit-scholars/

MaryLynn Magar Fellowship at the FAU Max Planck Academy

The FAU Max Planck Academy on the FAU Jupiter Campus has launched the MaryLynn Magar Fellowship. An FAU Magar Fellow is a data science student from FAU High School that is pursuing research at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI). The fellowship will include $3,000 to support the student’s research efforts. The FAU Max Planck Academy is the latest partnership between FAU, MPFI and the Germany-based Max Planck Society, expanding on similar opportunities for FAU’s graduate and undergraduate students. This unprecedented program will open the laboratories of Max Planck to select high school students, allowing them to participate in world-class research and scientific discoveries as part of their curriculum. 

  • A curiosity-driven education initiative for training the next generation of scientists
  • Intensive research training and enrichment experiences from FAU and MPFI faculty
  • The premier early university entrance high school experience in North America for STEM-focused juniors and seniors in high school

For more information and admission details, go to  /admissions/national-merit-scholars/

FAU AND FAU-MPFI PARTNERED GRADUATE PROGRAMS

International Max Planck Research School for Synapses & Circuits

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Synapses and Circuits provides innovative and individualized doctoral training in interdisciplinary neuroscience research. The IMPRS for Synapses and Circuits is a partnership between the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and is the only IMPRS program in the United States. The program offers students a world-class, competitive doctoral program while giving them the opportunity to learn, train and work in multiple countries.

  • Career development opportunities
  • Possibility of lab rotations during the first six months
  • Mentoring and guidance by a Thesis Advisory Committee
  • A multitude of training opportunities: methods workshops, courses, travel grants, soft skills courses etc.

Click here for more information and admission details!

Integrative Biology-Neuroscience Ph.D. Program

Integrative Biology is a multidisciplinary doctoral program of the Department of Biological Sciences with the participation of other departments and colleges at Florida Atlantic University. The Integrative Biology-Neuroscience (IBNS) program is a doctoral program with an emphasis in neuroscience. Comprehending the full function of the brain, in health and disease, requires the understanding of sub-cellular processes in single neurons, signal integration by the brain, and cognitive function. The neuroscience faculty in the IBNS program will tackle many of the cutting-edge questions in neuroscience through the integration of multiple disciplines, different model systems, and a broad spectrum of technologies. Faculty will provide the formal course work and the staff of excellent core facilities will provide practical workshops in advanced microscopy methods.

  • Work alongside and learn from top research faculty
  • Perform research at FAU and Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience
  • Access to $20 million state-of-the-art scientific equipment
  • Publish in top research journals
  • Research funding opportunities

Click here for more information and admission details!

Biological Sciences Master's Programs

Florida Atlantic University offers multiple master’s degree programs in biology that prepare students for future doctoral programs, health profession programs, teaching, research, or careers in business or government. Students may enroll on a full or part-time basis; all receive guidance from a faculty advisor. Normally, the degree is completed within two years full-time or four years part-time. The Department of Biological Sciences offers master’s degrees in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Teaching
  • Marine Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Business Biotechnology

Click here for more information and admission details!

Neuroscience Graduate Program

The FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute sponsors the Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP) Ph.D. program. Work alongside world-renowned faculty who are utilizing novel techniques to perform cutting-edge research in cellular, molecular, and biomedical neuroscience; sensorimotor, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience; and theoretical and computational neuroscience. At FAU we believe that celebrating and valuing diversity and inclusivity generates innovative education, inspired curricula, high-quality research, effectively problem-solving, and general creativity, by establishing an environment in which all students can achieve their potential. 

  • Common 1st  year curriculum and laboratory rotations
  • Seminars from nationally recognized neuroscientists
  • Integrated and well-rounded experience for PhD students

Click here for more information and admission details!

Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program

U-Rise

The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program at FAU  is funded by the National Institutes of Health. This program aims to promote diversity in biomedical science, by engaging students in a customized research intensive undergraduate experience. The U-RISE program is located on the FAU Jupiter Campus in coordination with the Wilkes Honors College, though students from all campuses and majors related biomedical research are encouraged to apply.

Students will participate in a three year curriculum that includes laboratory research and specialized courses in critical thinking, research approaches, and scientific communication. As rising juniors, they will attend a summer internship at a partner Research Intensive Institution. Students will be paired with an Academic Mentor, a Research Mentor and a Near-Peer Mentor (graduate student) to provide support. One-on-one mentorship will be complemented by a diverse set of workshops throughout the three-year program. Students accepted into the program must commit to completing all three years. The U-RISE program covers partial tuition costs based on the yearly U-RISE budget, support for research and travel, and a monthly stipend.

Click here for more information and admission details!

RESEARCH TRAINING

Community, collaboration and innovation drives the groundbreaking programs and unmatched opportunities at the Advanced Scientific Training Laboratory in Jupiter. Located at FAU's John D. MacArthur campus, this hub for scientific innovation, research, and first-of-its-kind educational programs offers students at all levels unparalleled access to renowned scientists at the world's top research organizations, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and the Scripps Research Institute. FAU Jupiter is a living laboratory where high achieving students, distinguished faculty, and world class partners converge to redefine STEM education, research, and inquiry.

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