Nu Rho Psi, National Honor Society in Neuroscience


What is Nu Rho Psi?

Nu Rho Psi is the National Honor Society in Neuroscience. Here at KU, we are a club open to anyone with an interest in Neuroscience!

What are the benefits of joining?

  • Connect with others who share your interests and/or major
  • You can learn about getting involved in undergraduate research, including at programs both within and outside of KU
  • Attend super interesting lectures from a wide variety of guest lecturers. In the past, we’ve had speakers talk on topics ranging from the treatment of anxiety disorders to new brain chip technology
  • Receive mentoring from upperclassmen who may be on the career path you want to follow
  • If you qualify for national membership and apply, you are added to the official Nu Rho Psi member list and will receive a special cord for graduation

Contact Information:

You can email us at ku.honor.neuro@gmail.com to join our mailing list or get more information

Requirements

  • Locally active (KU club)
    • In order to be a locally active member of Nu Rho Psi one must earn at least 10 “points” per semester
    • Points can be earned by coming to meetings, participating in fundraisers, or participating in an unrelated neuroscience event.
  • Nationally active (Official Nu Rho Psi member)
    • In order for national recognition in Nu Rho Psi one must have completed 3 semesters of college curriculum and at least 9 hours of neuroscience requirement
    • Members interested in becoming nationally recognized must also have a 3.2 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 neuroscience GPA

Get Involved

  • It's never too late or too early to get involved in research
  • Figure out what research topics interest you. Read through professors’ bios to see if their research interests you.
    • Talk to other professors – they will most likely know if any of their colleagues are doing research similar to your interests
    • Look into professors in departments outside of your own – Neuroscience is highly interdisciplinary!
      • Departments with faculty doing neuroscience research: Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Linguistics, Speech-Language-Hearing
  • Once you have identified one or a few professors, reach out through an email and see if they have an opening for an undergraduate researcher
    • Introduce yourself and say why you are interested in working in their lab (be specific!)
    • Attach a CV/Resume or simply mention relevant classes/experiences
    • Request a meeting to learn more about their research – this is a good way to get a feel for the professor, the lab, and what will be expected of you (how many hours are expected, what project you would be working on, etc.)
    • Use the meeting as a chance to make sure the lab would be a good fit for you!
    • If you do not get a response within a week, send a polite reminder email
  • Don't be afraid to look for opportunities outside of KU
    • Summer NSF REU programs
    • AMGEN
    • KINBRE
    • Etc.
  • Look for scholarships and other opportunities
    • Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA) – research funding through the center for undergraduate research
    • Present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and other conferences

 

Continuing Education

  • Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
  • Start working (see Bachelor level careers)
  • Graduate School
  • Medical School

Careers

Doctorate Level Careers
  • Most careers associated with neuroscience require doctorate-level education. Examples include:
    • Medicine (MD, DO)
    • Research Scientist
    • Dentist
    • Physical Therapist
    • Optometrist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Neuropsychologist
    • Food Scientist
    • Pharmacist
    • Lawyer
    • Professor/Researcher
    • Scientific Outreach Coordinator
Master’s Level Careers
  • Many careers associated with neuroscience require master’s-level education. Examples include:
    • Nurse Practitioner
    • Physician’s Assistant
    • Genetic Counselor
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Orthotist/Prosthetist
    • Neural Engineer
    • Neuroimaging Techician
    • Teacher
    • Epidemiology
    • Speech-Language Pathologist
    • Public Health
Bachelor’s Level Careers
  • Some careers associated with neuroscience require no more than a Bachelor’s degree.
    • Laboratory Techician
    • Clinical Research Assistant
    • Psychometrist*
    • EEG Technologist*
    • Pharmaceutical Sales
    • Pharmacy Technician
    • Forensic Science Technician
    • Residential Counselor
    • Special Education Assistant
    • Medical Technician*

                 *may require additional certification

Upcoming Events:

10/19/2023 - Public Speaker of the Month - Richard Yi, PhD presents "Is Addiction (ir)Rational?" - 5:30pm Fraser Hall Room 547
Previous Events & Meetings:

2/6/2023 - Fraser Hall Rm 537 -  An introductory meeting and important administrative announcements.

2/27/2023

3/20/2023

4/3/2023

4/17/2023

9/12/2023 - Public Speaker of the Month - Jennifer Reed, FNP-BC PMHNP-BC presents Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics: using genetics to improve psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, the greatest development in medicine in 50 years