Program Description
The Integrative Neuroscience Training Group is part of a university-wide life sciences umbrella graduate program at the flagship campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. The Neuroscience faculty are drawn from approximately 10 departments representing 5 schools. Our research programs encompass studies on the nervous systems of fruit flies, zebrafish, mice, rats and humans. Technical approaches span the molecular, cellular, physiological and behavioral levels of analysis. Subsets of interdisciplinary teams work creatively to advance current methodologies in neural imaging, wireless electrodes, biosensors, advanced cell culturing and drug discovery. Students enter the program from diverse undergraduate majors and with broad research interests, although a basic background in college-level STEM coursework is preferred. Students receive training across the levels of analysis required to effectively understand nervous system function, disease, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches. The neuroscience community benefits from the newly established Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience (PIIN), which builds on institutional strengths in science and engineering. PIIN is in the process of establishing several research core facilities for gene transfer, stem cell biology and animal behavior. These will complement a large number of core facilities in biosciences already available on campus, including drug development and screening facilities associated with the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, as well as a brand new MRI facility. PIIN also sponsors a range of scientific activities (workshops, seminars, annual retreat) and provides travel grants for graduate students. Please contact us if you are interested to join our vibrant campus-wide neuroscience community.