The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. Pathway Program at Rush University Medical Center

The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. Pathway Program for Summer Scholars at Rush University Medical Center

Under Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, Ph.D.’s leadership, Rush is one of a handful of academic medical centers in the country with the expertise and infrastructure to provide top-tier educational and learning opportunities for students interested in pursuing neurodevelopmental sciences and in particular pediatric translational neuroscience. 

To support the next generation of clinician-scientists in this vital field, Rush launched this innovative pathway program named for former president of the University of Notre Dame, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. The program is designed to attract and cultivate high-achieving students interested in translational and applied clinical sciences, clinical care, therapy development and treatments, including new disease modifying drugs for rare neurodevelopmental diseases that have lifelong implications for patients and their families. Participating students will be guided by Rush University and neurodevelopmental sciences faculty.

The Summer Scholars Program will offer undergraduate students who have declared their undergraduate major a unique opportunity to gain immersive, hands-on experience in the field of neurodevelopmental and translational neurosciences. This program will provide three scholars with an opportunity to shadow clinicians, engage in ongoing research initiatives, and explore the intersection of clinical practice and scientific discovery.

Program Activities: This program is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders in neurological sciences. It will offer selected students a range of experiences for them to learn and discern what career path they may want to pursue. Students will work predominantly on one neurodevelopmental condition/project alongside a coordinator, while being exposed to several conditions and treatments. Examples of projects include exploring relationships between different characteristics of children and adults with Fragile X syndrome, helping with activities for disease-targeted treatment programs for Rett Syndrome or Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, or assisting with infusions or the collection of data for a presentation, paper or FDA submissions. Additionally, students will be able to meet with and learn about the families being cared for at Rush and assist with procedures based on personal interests. This observership will expose students to a range of studies to improve the symptoms of individuals with genetic disabilities.

This is a 6 to 8-week summer program with flexibility depending on the student’s schedule. The program will begin in June and conclude in early August.

Support: A $5,000 stipend will be awarded to each scholar. Students will be responsible for securing their own accommodations during the duration of the program.

Eligibility and Criteria: This program is open to rising juniors and seniors who have interest in neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurogenetic disorders, or rare diseases. Applicants should have demonstrated academic dedication and be interested in gaining exposure to a variety of diseases and therapies as they consider a career in a medical, clinical or biological sciences related field. Preference will be given to students who have previously engaged in rare disease initiatives at the University of Notre Dame.

Required materials (upload at the College of Science's Sumittable site):

• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcript
• Personal Statement (past research experience, career goals, and interest in this opportunity)