NeuroNauts Scholars

The NeuroNauts Scholars program seeks to cultivate the next generation of neuroscience researchers by providing eight high school students with immersive, hands-on research experiences in areas central to neurological health. The long-term goal is to expand the biomedical workforce by sparking early interest in neuroscience and equipping students with the skills to advance our understanding of brain and nervous system function. Under the expert guidance of UWF faculty, students will participate in an intensive eight-week summer program that integrates authentic laboratory research and interactive seminars. The program’s goals are to: 1. Provide hands-on training in experimental design, data collection, and analysis using cutting-edge neuroscience methodologies. 2. Enhance students’ understanding of neural mechanisms including neuroplasticity and neural network dynamics that underlie brain function and the pathogenesis of neurological disease. 3. Develop complementary skills in scientific writing, presentation, and critical analysis to prepare students for advanced studies and careers in neuroscience. 4. Foster a supportive research environment through personalized mentoring, continuous monitoring of student progress, and regular evaluation of program effectiveness. Program outcomes will be rigorously assessed through quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback using an online assessment system (EvaluateUR),, ensuring that the curriculum remains responsive to student needs. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical research, the NeuroNauts Scholars program directly supports NINDS’s mission to advance our understanding of the brain and reduce the burden of neurological disease, while building a robust future biomedical research workforce. Project Number: 1R25NS147367-01 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) | Principal Investigator: RODNEY GUTTMANN (+1 co-PI) | Institution: UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA, PENSACOLA, FL | Award Amount: $110,118 | Activity Code: R25 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 CN-W (92)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11305728