Neurology High School Scholars Program

The Neurology High School Scholars Program is resuming in 2024! The program will run for 5 weeks in July and August, 2024.

The application for the 2024 season will be available on this website at the end of January/early February. The application involves writing 2 essays (focusing on your interest in neurology and career goals) as well as submitting the names of two individuals to write letters of recommendation.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the Administrative Director for Neuroscience Research, Samantha Ferrante, at ferrante@chop.edu.

About the program

The Neurology High School Scholars Program offers the opportunity for four high school students to complete a five-week paid internship ($1,000 stipend). The internship involves working closely with a neurologist or neuroscientist on a basic science or clinical research project, shadowing physicians in clinic, and attending a weekly educational session with the cohort. Work hours will be determined between the student and mentor based on project needs. At the end of the five weeks, students will be expected to prepare a poster presentation outlining their project results and present the poster at a conference.

Selected students will be required to pass non-traditional personnel clearances (including, but not limited to: immunizations, FBI fingerprinting, child abuse clearances, and other background checks). There may be research and other training requirements, depending on the student project. Eligible students will be required to attend the program at CHOP's Main Campus during scheduled work hours. Students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors, and must be 16 years of age at the start of the internship.

Recent Research Projects:

  1. Owen Oliver, Alexandra J Borst, MD, Allison Britt MS LCGC, Elizabeth Goldmuntz MD, Shih-Shan Lang Chen MD, Stephanie Fuller MD, Arastoo Vossough MD PhD, Lauren Beslow MD MSCE: “Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia-like Phenotypes of Children with GDF2 Mutation.”
  2. Sarmarth Mannikeri, Shiva Ganesan, Ingo Helbig: “Decoding the Exome: Unveiling Genetic Insights through Computational Analysis.”
  3. Venkat Devabhakthuni, Brenda Banwell, Phil Kaplan, Eleonora Grasso: “Quantitative Assessment of Choroid Plexus Volume in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Patients.”
  4. Aarohi Deshpande: “Telemedicine is a Preferred Patient Care Modality for Spanish-Only Speaking Families Seen in the Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic.”
  5. Zoe Heifetz, John Brandsema, MD: “Efgartigimod Alfa-Fcab (Vyvgart™) and General Myasthenia Gravis.”
  6. Prima Rao, David R. Lynch MD, PhD: “Friedreich’s Ataxia Progression Between Siblings.”
  7. Emiola Enakhimion, Ashley Bach MD, Sonika Agarwal MD: “Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: Outcomes, Associated Malformations & Trends in Diagnosis Over Time.”

Smiling neurology patient

Why Choose CHOP Neurology

Learn more about our experience caring for children with complex neurological disorders and why you should consider us for your child’s care.

Toddler with book in his mouth

Your Child's Neurology Appointment

Find information about scheduling appointments and consultations with the Division of Neurology at CHOP, including what to expect during your visit.