two black scientists looking in microscopes

African American Research Training Scholars Program
 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center

The Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center at the University of Kentucky is accepting applications for the SCoBIRC African American Research Training Scholars Program (AARTS) from qualified African American undergraduate students for funded research training in neurotrauma. Black faculty and students are heavily underrepresented in the field of neuroscience, and the AARTS program was established to enhance the pipeline. The anticipated award will be a $6000 summer stipend.

Applications for 2023 Program Open

Due date has been extended to  Feb. 17, 2023

For application requirements and other information please contact Zelneva Madison or download the application here: AARTS Program Application 2023

Second Year AARTS students pose with their mentors.

The SCoBIRC AARTS Program Celebrates the Most Recent Class of Scholars as well as Their Research and Mentors

Sidney Brown - Mentor Warren Alilain
Jaida Garrett - Mentor Brad Hubbard
Jocelyn Martin - Mentor Michael Bardo
Hailey "Amira" McKee - Mentor Ann Stowe
Christopher Otieno - Mentor Rachel Hogg- Graham
Ashley Wright - Mentor Richard Ingram*
*Not Pictured: Janelle McKinney - Mentor Adam Bachstetter

SCoBIRC is proud of the first and former class of AARTS Scholars, their research projects, and SCoBIRC mentors.

Nolan Abdelsayed  – “Neuroinflammation as a Contributor to Secondary Brain Injury Following a Mild Closed Head Injury” (Mentor: Adam Bachstetter)

Jordon Burdette – “Cellular Regeneration in the Injured Spinal Cord” (Mentor: Warren Alilain)

Urim Geleta – “MicroRNA Regulation of Neuroinflammation Following TBI” (Mentor: Joe Springer)

Alexa Halliburton – “Age and Social Enrichment as Determining Factors in SCI Recovery” (Mentor: John Gensel)

Bisimwa “Jack” Nzerhumana – “Mitochondrial Uncoupling Promotes Energy Metabolism Following TBI” (Mentor: Pat Sullivan)

The [inaugural] AARTS program more than exceeded our expectations, with regard to both the level of student interest in the program and the depth of relationships formed between faculty and trainees. The program was designed to provide immersive experiences in research, professional development, and mentoring. Our faculty and trainees demonstrated genuine commitments to each aspect of the program’s mission, and it is clear that long-lasting relationships, which will benefit the trainees for years to come, were formed.

Mark Prendergast, PhD, professor of psychology and director of UK’s neuroscience bachelor’s degree program