Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
June 16 – August 8, 2025
Dive into the world of brain science this summer! Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) is a full-time, 8-week, paid summer research internship program for Durham high school students. Participants perform hands-on experiments in neuroscience labs at Duke, engage in professional development and college prep activities, and receive a stipend and free lunch. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds to apply, including those without prior research experience! We are looking for students who are interested in exploring the mysteries of the brain, curious about a career in science or medicine, and eager to learn and grow.
Apply online from December 16, 2024 – February 9, 2025! You will need to fill out our application and request two (2) letters of recommendation from non-relatives.
Eligibility:
To apply for 2025, students must:
- Be a current high school sophomore or junior (grades 10-11 for the 2024-2025 school year), or a senior (grade 12) who does *not* plan to attend college in fall 2025;
- Attend a public or charter high school in Durham, NC (C.E. Jordan High School, City of Medicine Academy, Durham School of Technology, Durham School of the Arts, Excelsior Classical Academy, Hillside High School, Ignite! Online Academy, J.D. Clement Early College High School, Middle College High School, NC Cyber Academy, NC Virtual Academy, Northern High School, Research Triangle High School, Riverside High School, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, or Voyager Academy High School);
- Have reliable transportation for daily commuting to Duke University;
- Be at least sixteen (16) years old by June 16, 2025; and
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or legal resident.
What to Expect:
- Join a Lab: Get matched with a cutting-edge brain science lab at Duke University based on your research interests.
- Hands-on Research: Perform hands-on neuroscience experiments 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.
To hear from previous students who have participated in DUNE, please visit Scholar Stories and DUNE in the News.
Important Dates:
- December 16, 2024: Application opens
- February 9, 2025: Application and two (2) letters of recommendation from non-relatives due by 11:59pm EST
- March 2025: Admissions decisions announced
- June 16 – August 8, 2025: Program runs for 8 weeks (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Questions?
Please check the FAQs on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please email duneprogram@duke.edu.
