Neuroscience Internship Program at the University of Rochester
Since 2021 NEURO-RocHS — a Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Commission program — provides Rochester City School District (RCSD) high school students with hands-on neuroscience research experience in University of Rochester laboratories. In 2027, we hope to expand our placement capacity through a new partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which brings additional laboratory space as well as expertise in biomedical engineering and technology-driven healthcare applications.
During the six-week program, selected students are paired with a research mentor and engage directly in laboratory work while learning about the educational and training pathways required for a career in research. Participants also receive a generous stipend for their involvement.
The program, formerly known as NEUROEAST, was previously funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and is currently supported through the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience.
NEURO-RocHS Recognized with Community Health Improvement Team Award
The 15th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards celebrated University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) faculty and staff , as well as their community partners on 5/31/24, for their dedication to helping people lead healthier lives, and advancing health equity, throughout our region. The Team Award was given to the East-UR Collaborative, which includes the NSC NEURO-RocHS program.
Rochester City School District Partner Schools
East High School — partner since 2021
Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus — partner since 2024
Learn More: The vitality and success of the NEURO-RocHS program is based on the involvement of three inter-related groups. Check out each box below for details about the group’s roles and responsibilities
Learn More: The vitality and success of the NEURO-RocHS program is based on the involvement of three inter-related groups. Check out each box below for details about the group’s roles and responsibilities
Students, teachers, and administrators roles
Interested students who do not attend
East or Padilla High Schools
Interested students who do not attend
East or Padilla High Schools
The NeuroRoCHS program currently accepts promising Rochester City School District (RCSD) students from East and Padilla High Schools.
If you are a student who is interested in the NeuroRocHS program, but does not attend East or Padilla High School, we encourage you to consider participating in the Rochester Brain Bee, a free annual neuroscience competition for high school students in grades 9–12. Hosted by the University of Rochester and organized through its local Society for Neuroscience chapter, the competition tests students’ knowledge of brain anatomy, memory, sleep, and neurological diseases. The local winner advances to the national competition, and since 2024, we have invited the Rochester Brain Bee winner to participate in the NeuroRoCHS program.
Alternatively, you may wish to explore the University of Rochester website to identify research that interests you and then reach out directly to individual researchers to inquire about an unpaid shadowing experience. There are faculty willing to meet with motivated high school students, particularly when the student takes the initiative to make the initial contact rather than having a parent reach out on their behalf. Unfortunately, we are unable to connect students with individual mentors through our program.
Contact Us
For more information contact: Emily Murphy