The SINE 2009 application period is now closed.

The Application Process

Students should first examine the possible research teams within the SINE program and identify a research topic and group in which they would like to work.  An important consideration in the application process is the potential for a match between the research interests of the student and the research being conducted within the SINE program.  Students should rank the top 1-4 laboratories in which they would be interested in working. It is not necessary that applicants have experience in neural engineering, although a background in engineering, neuroscience, or life sciences can be helpful.  The goal of the program is to provide students with research experience that best serves their need to explore neural engineering as a potential career option.  

There are two parts to the application process. 

First, students should complete the SINE 2009 application form.  In addition to requesting information about the applicants' background, we ask students to prepare two separate short essays (~250-500 words) addressing different aspects of their interest in neural engineering research.

• Why are you interested in conducting neural engineering research?  What are the aspects of this field which make you consider neural engineering a potential career path?  How are these interests related to the research laboratory or laboratories in which you would like to work?

• What are your expectations of the SINE program?  What experience and knowledge do you hope to obtain from the summer?  What is there in your background, or what is missing in your background, that makes you believe that you will benefit from this research experience?

This application form should be sent by email to sine@northwestern.edu using the subject heading '<YOUR NAME> SINE Application 2009'.

Second, in order to apply to the program students should obtain:

• an official copy of their undergraduate transcript  

• 2 letters of recommendation from faculty or other individuals who have knowledge of the applicant and can help us evaluate their potential for conducting neural engineering research.  The letters should be enclosed in a sealed envelope with the letter writer's signature across the back flap.
  

Students should assemble these materials (letters plus transcript) and send them to the following address:

Danielle M. Kerkovich, PhD
Associate Director for Research
Sensory Motor Performance Program
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
345 E Superior Ave, Suite 1408
Chicago, IL 60611

Ithe letter writer prefers to email the letter directly, they can send their document to sine@northwestern.edu.

All application materials should be postmarked by February 27, 2009 in order to be guaranteed consideration for the program.  Application materials that arrive after this deadline will be considered up until the time when the review of applications begins.  If students anticipate difficulty in meeting this deadline or in obtaining the above materials, they should contact the program at sine@northwestern.edu.  Enquiries made well in advance of the deadline will be more likely to receive responses than enquiries made near the time of the deadlines. 

SINE is a equal opportunity program.  We especially encourage applications from minority students, women, and students from institutions with underrepresented scientific research programs.