Requirements and Opportunities

Cross-Disciplinary Research and Mentorship: Trainees will expand their dissertation research project emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach through mentorship from their primary PI and a co-mentor from a distinct discipline.

Summer Training Experience: Trainees will complete either (1) an external research or professional experience to broaden expertise or explore non-academic careers, or (2) a mentorship or outreach experience — by mentoring an incoming student through the NDRB Pre-Freshman Research Experience (NPRE) program or engaging in community outreach. See INDARB-1 Summer Training Experience.

Bi-Weekly INDARB Workshops: Trainees will attend workshops on statistical literacy, specialized methodologies, grant writing, presentation skills, leadership, career development, and work-in-progress presentations.

Fellowship Proposal Preparation and Submission: Trainees will prepare and submit an individual F31 or F99/K00 fellowship proposal based on their dissertation research or next career stage.

Conference/Research Course Attendance: Trainees will participate in national/international conferences and/or specialized courses within their field.

NINDS T32 Program Workshop: Trainees will join an annual networking and professional development event with NINDS staff, faculty, and fellow trainees.

Annual INDARB Retreat: Trainees will present their research progress during the annual INDARB program retreat.

Each fall, INDARB admits two new 3rd-year PhD students who advance through their 4th year with satisfactory progress and participation. Applications from new 3rd-year PhD students are due by July 1st (11:59 PM), with decisions announced by the INDARB Steering Committee by the end of July.

Eligibility and Expectations

  • Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Complete at least two years in the Neuroscience or DRS PhD program by July 1 of the application year and enter the 3rd year in the fall.
  • Commit to cross-disciplinary dissertation research combining neuroscience and developmental or regenerative sciences at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
  • Plan for a two-year appointment to complete the full INDARB training program.
  • Accept INDARB-specific training requirements and submit an Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlining an expanded, cross-disciplinary dissertation project.
  • Ensure both primary mentor and co-mentor actively participate in INDARB training activities.
  • Confirm mentorship by a primary mentor and co-mentor providing neuroscience and DRS expertise for the dissertation.
  • Participate in a regularly scheduled monthly triad meeting (mentor, co-mentor, and trainee).