Carnegie Mellon University

Behavioral Brain (B2) Research Training Program

Carnegie Mellon University & University of Pittsburgh

B2 Applicants

The B2 Program is designed to train predoctoral researchers with the skills needed to integrate neuroscience perspectives and methods into an increasingly independent program of behavioral research. The B2 Program does not offer a stand-alone PhD. Instead, it recruits trainees from 4 affiliated doctoral programs: 2 that offer training in psychology and 2 that offer training in neuroscience. The B2 Program adds value by requiring integrative coursework and mentored research experiences that go beyond the requirements and training opportunities provided by our affiliated programs

Eligibility

To be funded by the B2, students must be enrolled at University of Pittsburgh or Carnegie Mellon University In one of four PhD-granting programs

B2 trainees and their mentors must agree to complete the full B2 Training Program.

Application Process

The Program Directors disseminate an annual invitation (typically in July) to apply to the B2 Program to all faculty and students (current and incoming) in our affiliated PhD programs.

We take a holistic approach and ask candidates to provide a current CV and a narrative describing: (1) their reasons for seeking B2 training, preparation for the program; (2) preliminary plans for a research rotation; and (3) personal experiences with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their mentors are asked to provide a brief narrative that: (1) identifies areas in which the candidate has more/less preparation for the B2 Program, (2) comments on the candidate’s ability to take on new academic challenges, and (3) confirms their full support the candidate’s involvement with the B2 Program (including their obligations as outlined in our Mentor Compact). Candidates will also be given the opportunity to identify as a member of an underrepresented group in science, as defined by the NIH guidelines.

A candidate’s faculty mentor will be required to submit a brief (< 1 page) narrative that identifies areas in which the candidate has more and less preparation for the B2 Program, comments on the ability of the candidate to take on new academic challenges, and confirms their full support the candidate’s involvement with the B2 program (including their obligations as outlined in our Mentor Compact).  The B2 Program allows applications from candidates whose faculty advisor is not currently affiliated with the B2 Program Faculty .