docfirestein101

Hey all, I just wanted to give a shout out to those who might be interested in a Neuroscience PhD, but may feel that they are closer to bottom of the applicant barrel. I applied to 8 neuroscience PhD programs and only received an interview at 1, Deleware State University. Granted, I don't have much prime research experience; I do have an MD from the UK. The interview was less of an interview as it was a tour attempting to show all the reasons why I should pick them. Application deadlines are late, and they notify you late. But, that might be convenient depending on the dates of your other applications. The program here is advertised (if you look at the website) as starting in 2007, but it really didn't take off till 2009. I'm currently the third PhD student among a mass of masters students. The grant funding is quite substantial at the moment, and the dean is looking to expand their graduate/research program. Everyone gets a $22k/yr stipend, which isn't bad. From only being here a half semester, I'm really enjoying it. It's very much of a family atmosphere, and everyone is very interested in seeing everyone else here succeed. I'm planning on continuing my research in Dover DE, however there are large inter-institutional grants that allow advisory/research positions in any neuro lab in DE or Drexel, in Philly. You will have to do the leg work to get into that lab; but, after that it's covered both academically and financially, if necessary. They've got a huge fish facility here, if you like Zebra fish or such... The downside is they don't have an animal (mice, etc.) facitly here yet. You can work around it, by collaborating behavioral studies with Drexel and other nearby institutions, but it seems like a bit of a pain driving. With a wife and two kids, I'm not really interested in spending much time on the road. However, it looks like we'll have a animal facility in 2-3yrs because of a $13mill inter-institutional NIH grant obtained by Dr. Melissa Harrington. With my own research, that works okay since I can kinda postpone my behavioral stuff till after I make my network models. If you're more of an in vitro person, then the animal lab shouldn't be a problem. My own interests lie in computational neuroscience. I'm planning on using on optogenetics as a toolbox to achieve my goals. The optics center at the physics dept. here is also quite amazing. If anyone else has decent experience in optogenetics, perhaps you could PM me so we could meet at the SfN convention to chat? I'm really interesting in collaborating. I really need to get some hands on experience this summer, before I can bring such a techniques back here. For others, the optics center here is very well funded. They're really looking for more graduate level biologists to collaborate with so they can make more pretty pictures. If you're interested in a Neuroscience PhD, try applying to DSU. I'm really interested in working with some more quality people, with similar interests. Kind regards, -T