Neuroscience research at Skidmore

Neuroscience faculty at Skidmore study the brain, from molecules to behavior, with research spanning areas like sleep and biological clocks, adolescent development, neurodegenerative disease, and music and cognition. Students don’t just learn about this work — they join it, with more than 90% gaining hands-on research experience early and building skills for graduate study and careers in science, health care, and beyond.

Types of research opportunities

• For-credit research: During the academic year, you can earn credit while conducting research alongside a faculty mentor. Multiple course options allow you to engage at different levels, depending on your experience and interests.
• Faculty-Student Summer Research: Many neuroscience majors continue their work over the summer through funded research opportunities at Skidmore. These positions are competitive, with applications typically due early in the spring semester.
• Conference travel and presentation: Neuroscience students regularly share their research beyond the lab. Many present on campus at events like the Summer Research Symposium and Academic Festival. You can also present at regional conferences, including the Hudson-Berkshire chapter of the Society for Neuroscience in Albany, New York, and the NEURON conference at Quinnipiac University. For students ready to take their work further, national and international conferences — such as the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting and the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience symposium — offer additional opportunities to showcase your research and build professional connections.
• Publications: Neuroscience students at Skidmore often contribute in meaningful ways to research projects, resulting in authorship on publications. 

How to get involved in research

Each fall, the Neuroscience Program hosts a research fair where you can meet faculty, explore current lab projects, and hear directly from students doing research. It’s one of the best ways to see what’s possible — and where you might fit in.

To join a lab or enroll in a research course, you’ll connect directly with faculty. Reach out early, as spaces are limited and fill quickly.

Funding your research and travel

Once you begin research, you can apply for funding to support supplies, travel, or presenting your work. Most students use a combination of College-wide and neuroscience-specific funding.

• Student Opportunity project funds: for research supplies during the academic year (fall and spring deadlines)
• Student Opportunity travel to present funds: your first step for conference travel; reviewed on a rolling basis and can be paid in advance with a clear budget
• SEE-Beyond summer funding: support for internships and research, often during the summer
• Summer Experience Fund (SEF): funding for unpaid off-campus experiences
• Ketterer-Sykes Endowed Fund: flexible funding for research or conference travel, available through the Neuroscience Program and established by Gwyneth Ketterer, mother of neuroscience major Ellie Ketterer-Sykes '24

How to apply for funding:

1. Start with Student Opportunity funding. Apply for either research support or conference travel. For travel, include a complete, itemized budget covering all costs.
2. If needed, request additional support through the Ketterer-Sykes Fund. Send the Neuroscience Program director your original application, your funding decision, and the remaining amount you need.
3. The Neuroscience Steering Committee will review your request and notify you of the decision. Approved students receive funding directly.

Priority is given to students presenting research with Skidmore faculty. You must apply for student opportunity funding first, and outside funding is encouraged. Plan ahead, keep costs reasonable, and use shared housing or lower-cost travel options when possible.