Neuroscience Research Intensive

Taught By

Alisha Steigerwald

Alisha Steigerwald is a medical student at Harvard Medical School and a 4.0 GPA graduate of Portland State University, where she was selected as the Honors Commencement Speaker and Valedictorian. Her neuroscience research on autism spectrum disorder has resulted in first-author and co-first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology and Autism Research. A dedicated mentor and leader, Alisha founded the initiative that created the official Neuroscience minor at her alma mater and served as President of the PSU Neuroscience Club. As an Independent Medical School Admissions Consultant, she has successfully guided pre-medical students into top-tier programs, including the Vanderbilt MSTP and numerous MD programs. Alisha combines her high-level research expertise with proven mentorship to guide students in this program.

Week by Week Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to the human brain

Welcome, course goals, and class structure
Overview of human brain functions: thoughts, memory, emotions, senses, movement, language, and more
Why study the human brain? Group brainstorm and personal reflections

Week 2: Human brain anatomy & Brain cells

Brain structure and neuroanatomy
Blood supply and the blood-brain barrier
Types of brain cells and neural communication
Neurotransmitters and neuronal plasticity

Week 3: Studying the brain

Scientific tools: imaging, electrophysiology, and other methods
Comparing research techniques
Research study designs

Week 4: Final project: The Research Proposal

Purpose and format of research proposals
Steps for creating your proposal: topic selection, background research, question/hypothesis generation, and methodology
Group brainstorm and feedback on topic selection

Week 5: Research development & methodology

Conducting background research and literature reviews
Developing focused research questions
Choosing experimental methods and hypothesis-testing
Peer feedback and preparing your presentation

Week 6: Final presentations & wrap-up

Individual research proposal presentations
Discussion on next steps and group reflection

MD Blueprint: Neuroscience Research Intensive

In Partnership With