Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students in Neuroscience (COUUSiN)

The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at UC Berkeley is helping us deepen our understanding of the brain and the rest of the nervous system through original research and neurotechnology innovation. We are also training the next generation of neuroscientists as undergraduates in our labs. However, many students from historically underrepresented backgrounds experience barriers to participating in training because of extremely limited *paid* opportunities to conduct research at the undergraduate level. 

Crucial to increasing diversity in Neuroscience is providing underrepresented students access to opportunities for research at the undergraduate level. Undergraduate research is the launch pad of all scientific careers, and students shouldn't have to choose between a paid student job or unpaid research.

Please join the students of the Helen Wills Neuroscience PhD Program in Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students in Neuroscience (COUUSIN). The success of this campaign will have a real impact on students' lives, and open up the option of research to many who would otherwise not have the opportunity to take part in it. 

With your support, we can encourage and welcome driven undergrads to stretch their ambitions and abilities — and diversify the perspectives and strengths of our community as we push out the boundaries of knowledge — to the benefit of patients, families, and the common good.

Thank you, 

Karina Bistrong, Madeline Klinger, Benjamin Parker
The Berkeley Neuroscience Student Advocacy Committee